THERE has been much media attention regarding the placing of anti-aircraft missiles within Greater London as some sort of deterrent to an aerial terrorist attack.

Has anyone given any thought as to the devastation that could be caused if an aircraft such as a jumbo jet, executive jet or even a light aircraft were to be detected and shot down as it made its way over London to the Olympic stadium?

The debris could be spread around over a large area, and even if nobody was killed there would be a huge amount of damage to property.

My home insurance, probably like most home insurance policies, does not cover damage to life or property as a result of terrorist activity.

However when I sought confirmation as to what would be the case if an aircraft, which may not have necessarily been piloted by a terrorist but was shot down within the no-fly zone, I was told that they would not pay.

Any such claim for damages would have to be taken up directly as a civil action against the Ministry of Defence.

Readers may wish to clarify the situation with their own insurers.

R Alexander
Swanley