Global security outsourcer G4S has successfully won the contract to provide security for the G8 summit.

The contract will see G4S provide 450 staff to provide security for the 2013 G8 meeting, taking place in Northern Ireland in June.

The security service will be provided alongside police and armed force personal. G4S has had previous experience with working alongside the armed forces, after the army was drafted in to supplement Olympic security staff, when G4S was unable to meet staffing numbers.

Secretary of state for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers, sought to downplay concerns regarding G4S’ past performance, saying: “The G8 is considerably less than the numbers that were required for the mammoth operation at the Olympics”.

Security challenges facing the event involving leaders from around the world include thousands of protestors expected to be present at the event, and the threat of action by dissident republicans.

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