Police officers and members of the other emergency services are continuing to carry out their final rehearsals for the Olympics with another major exercise.

This time, the response on the ground and at the most senior levels of command will be assessed during a simulated attack on the London Underground.

Developed by the Metropolitan Police and the Home Office, Ex Forward Defensive will see two-days of manoeuvres in central London. The initiative is part of the Government’s National Counter-terrorism Exercise Programme.

The training package, which is one of the largest seen yet, will take place at the disused Aldwych tube station in London from February 22-23. Senior decision makers, including Cabinet ministers, are among those involved.

National Olympic Security Co-ordinator AC Chris Allison said the exercise would see a significant deployment of emergency services personnel.

He added: “The initial incident will test the tactical response including the evacuation of the station, rescuing injured people and managing the crime scene.

“The exercise will go on to test how senior decision makers manage the impact of the incident, the investigation to catch those responsible and a range of issues such as travel disruption, protest and organised crime which may impact on the smooth running of the Olympic Games,” he added.

AC Cressida Dick, who will be National Director Counter Terrorist Policing during the Games, will be rehearsing her role during the exercise.

She said: “Exercise Forward Defensive will focus on the extreme end of what may happen – it is not being carried out in response to any specific intelligence.”

London Mayor Boris Johnson added: "We are taking no chances and thoroughly testing of all our systems across government, Games organisers and the emergency services so that we are prepared for anything and everything.

“On top of this we've also witnessed the hugely successful cycling and diving test events taking place in the Olympic Park demonstrating this extraordinary level of planning which will reassure the watching world that London is ready."