Sebastian Coe, the London 2012 Olympics chief, has been overheard by a British broadcaster describing several Chinese officials guarding the Olympic torch as it passed through London as "thugs".

Channel 4 News said it was accidentally connected to a conversation between Coe and a media spokeswoman when in fact the broadcaster had been hoping to speak to the former Olympian's media office.

Coe's comments were directed at Chinese officials guarding the Olympic torch during its tumultuous journey through London on Sunday, when several protesters attempted to disrupt the route.