Olympic security alert over tutu man

A tutu-wearing man who broke through the Olympic security cordon explained today why he performed the bizarre stunt.

"I did it to impress my wife," he told police. He said he had spoken to her on the telephone and knew she would be watching at home in Canada. The 35-year-old suspect also told officers he "wanted everyone to see me and I want to be famous all over the world".

The man, who has still to be named, was charged with a public order offence. He was expected to appear in court later today and is likely be bailed while police inquiries continued. Meanwhile an urgent security review is under way into how he managed to disturb the Games' synchronised diving event.

Divers were stunned as the barechested man, wearing a blue tutu and leggings, appeared on one of the boards just as they were about to plunge into the water. He stood next to them on an adjoining board for nearly a minute before leaping into the Olympic pool.

A security guard dived into the water to apprehend the man, who had an advertising slogan written on his chest in large black lettering.

The announcer said over the PA system: "Ladies and gentlemen, please do not encourage him." But then, as security guards grappled with the man, the announcer added: "I suppose we should give him a round of applause."

Although some saw the lighter side of the incident, Olympic organisers will view it as a serious security breach, raising questions over the multi-millionpound "ring of steel" around the event. The International Olympic Committee will attempt to discover how the man got into the complex and was able to climb the stairs up to the diving board without being stopped, despite his colourful attire.

The incident raised tension around the swimming complex and onlookers were manhandled by security guards as police arrested the culprit and hurried him away for interview.

One spectator said: "It was quite hilarious, a bit like Peter Kay in his television advert for John Smith beer. It could have all turned nasty if that man had had a knife or something and attacked one of the athletes or taken him hostage.

"It would have been a perfect coup for a terrorist group like al Qaeda as the whole thing was live on late-night TV and there must have been millions watching around the world."

The incident appeared to affect the divers taking part. At the time the Chinese pair were in the lead, but after the confusion they scored low marks and the event was won by the Greeks, giving the host nation its first gold medal.

British pair Tony Ally and Mark Shipman finished fifth, despite being in last position at the time of the interruption. Ally, from Luton, who is 31 today, said: "I found it all quite funny - and disappointing." He said he did not feel security guards had to dive into the water as this only prolonged the disruption.