An MoD spokesman said: "These were dummy missiles which are used to practice with, not live ammunition. Had they been live missiles, they would have been protected by armed personnel and in any case, as the video shows, there were three personnel there at the time."

The MoD sent leaflets to residents of the development last week warning that soldiers and police will be stationed there for the duration of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

However, some living there, including Mr Whelan, are uneasy about the measure – to guard against potential airborne terrorist attacks – and are trying to prevent the plans going ahead.