Heathrow-based police delighted to be part of Olympic torch security

TWO police officers from Heathrow have been chosen as part of the security team for the Olympic torch relay.

David Wratten and David Thompson are part of a 70-strong team following the flame on its 8,000-mile journey across the UK.

PC Wratten, who joined the Met in 2006, works in the police aviation security team at Heathrow. The 30-year-old previously worked in Merton as part of a proactive drugs task force.

Originally from Essex, he is a keen cyclist and regularly runs in the Surrey hills with his dogs. He is particularly looking forward to accompanying the flame through his home town of Leatherhead.

"As a runner, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to travel around the country and to showcase London," he said. "I'm also really looking forward watching some of the Games - probably the cycling and 100m final most of all."

Sergeant Thompson, who works in the airport's firearms and custody team, is a big athletics fan and has followed the sport at home and abroad. The 40-year-old father-of-two has run a number of marathons and is a keen footballer, playing in no fewer than three leagues.

Originally from Wimbledon, he grew up in Abergavenny and now lives in Bracknell, through which he will accompany the torch during the relay.

"It means everything to me to be part of the Olympics, something I've always been a spectator of," he said. "It also means I will be able to tell my grandchildren 'I did that, I was part of history'. I think there will be a sense of pride as I run through my home towns and that is the part I am looking forward to the most."

The two Davids fought off competition from nearly 700 other applicants for the role, coming through a gruelling eight-month selection process.

They accompanied the torch as it began its journey from Land's End on Saturday (May 19) and will be there when it arrives at the Olympic stadium for the opening ceremony on July 27.

The Met's torch security team are responsible for protecting both the flame itself and the torch bearers throughout the Olympic and Paralympic torch relays. Officers will run up to 30 miles a day.