The Next Truth

• Event cut to three hours amid fears checkpoints will not cope with crowds
• London 2012 tell MailOnline ‘tough decision’ taken to ensure that the 80,000 fans get home
  
• Concerns that people will not be able to get the last Tube home at 1aM
• Organisers hope changes will help get people out of stadium at midnight

The security shambles that has engulfed London 2012 has now forced the £27million Opening Ceremony to be slashed by half an hour, it was revealed today.

Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle’s spectacle has been cut to three hours to ensure the 80,000 fans in the Olympic Stadium do not get stranded and unable get home on Friday, July 27.

The extravaganza was due to finish at 12.30pm but to will now be around midnight to allow people enough time to get on packed public transport.

Ongoing fears over security also means Games organisers want more time to get the huge crowd  safely out of the Olympic Stadium.

read more