Construction worker passes Olympic poster in Shanghai, 23 Jul 2008

Police in Shanghai say they have foiled a terrorist plot targeting Olympic events in the Chinese financial hub.

Chinese state media reported Thursday that police in Shanghai have carried out raids and broken up a terrorist group.

The Shanghai police official charged with security for Olympic events in the city, Public Security Bureau Deputy Director Cheng Jiulong, did not provide further details on the plot.  

The official, Cheng Jiulong, told the Xinhua news agency that international terrorists want to attack Olympic events to be held in Shanghai.

But Cheng said he is confident of the safety of the Olympic events in the city, where 12 football matches will be held.

Another police official told state media that 1,500 security cameras have been installed on public buses that pass the football stadium.  

In a separate development, Shanghai authorities confirmed today they are restricting the issue of business visas ahead of the Games.

Authorities have said the stricter visa regime is aimed at keeping out all but essential visitors in order to ensure that the Olympic games run smoothly.

Chinese authorities have reported disrupting or dismantling several terrorist groups that allegedly posed a threat to August's Olympic Games.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.