Australia look to increase Athens security

Australia are considering sending extra security and having a plane ready for a quick evacuation after the bomb blasts in Athens on Wednesday raised fresh safety fears over the Olympic Games in August.

Bodyguards will accompany the team and Prime Minister John Howard said today: "We will do whatever we are asked to do to provide protection to our team."

A spokesman for Qantas, Australia's national carrier, confirmed the airline was on standby if an emergency evacuation was needed.

The Australians are also considering preventing their athletes from leaving the Olympic village except when travelling to and from their competitions.