Coe calls Chinese torch officials 'thugs'

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Channel 4 News was inadvertently connected to a private telephone conversation London Olympic Committee chairman Lord Coe was having with a member of staff.

His comments were aimed at a number of Chinese officials providing security for the Olympic flame during its chaotic journey through London on Sunday.

The conversation revealed that Lord Coe, who boasts two Olympic gold medals, was pushed around by the officials, Channel 4 News said.

A member of staff from the programme was attempting to contact Lord Coe and was accidentally connected via the switchboard to a private conversation.

Channel 4 News said it overheard the former Tory MP talking about how the French organisers of the relay leg should deal with some of the Chinese torch attendants.

He said if the organisers do "one thing in Paris, it is to get rid of those guys.

"They tried to push me out of the way three times. They are horrible. They did not speak English ... I think they were thugs."

A spokeswoman for London 2012 confirmed Lord Coe had made the comments.