London's courts will be ready to operate  24 hours a day during the Olympics  as part of fast-track justice plans drawn up by prosecutors. Alison Saunders, chief crown prosecutor for London, said "riot-style" round-the-clock opening could be introduced if a surge in "Olympic crimes" occurred, to ensure offenders are brought to justice as swiftly as possible. She said preparations had already been made to conduct hearings from 8am until 7.30pm, in a virtual doubling of normal court times. During the Games there will also be more "virtual courts", in which suspects give evidence from police or prison cells, reducing the need to transport them across the capital. Witnesses and victims from overseas will be able to give evidence via video after going home, often from a British embassy. Crimes linked to the Games will be given a special "Olympics offence" label, based on whether they are committed at or near a venue, and whether the victim or accused is an athlete, spectator or official.