One of the torch-bearers due to carry the Olympic flame across London last night dropped out in protest at Chinese repression in Tibet.

Disabled comedian Francesca Martinez said that she felt taking part would legitimise the ongoing violence in Tibet, where recent weeks have seen authorities carry out a heavy-handed crackdown on protesters.

She said: “I fully support the Tibetan cause and feel that, because of the mounting pressure and the ongoing violence in Tibet, that torch-bearers should turn down their role . . . because I feel that is truly promoting and supporting the Olympic ideals, which are unity and world peace, and don’t include invasion of other countries.”

Britain’s number one badminton player Richard Vaughan, who is a member of the Team Darfur coalition of athletes committed to raising awareness of the humanitarian crisis in the Sudanese province, also said he would not take part in the torch relay.

Rumours that the Chinese Ambassador to London was planning to pull out of Sunday’s torch relay from Wembley to Greenwich were denied last night. Embassy officials had said that Fu Ying would spend the day with the official Beijing delegation at a London hotel. In a statement, the embassy said: “There has never been a view expressed from the Chinese Embassy at any point that the ambassador is pulling out of the torch relay. She hasn’t said that herself either.”

Her participation will aggravate the logistical challenges for the Metropolitan Police, who are mounting a £1 million operation to protect the torch as it passes through ten London boroughs on the same day as an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley Stadium.

Mrs Fu is a potential magnet for protesters on a range of issues, ranging from Tibet and Burma to Darfur and the Falun Gong. Commander Bob Broadhurst, the officer in charge of the operation, said six groups had contacted him about holding demonstrations and would be accommodated along the route.

An interpreter would ensure that placards do not incite violence between pro-Chinese and anti-Chinese groups but protests would not be stifled simply because they were “embarrassing” to Beijing.

“I will not be put under pressure by anybody to do that. We will be the judge of what breaks UK law,” he said. “We will facilitate all lawful protests.”

Activists intent on causing trouble face detention until the torch leaves England for Paris on Sunday night.

The Met is mobilising 2,000 officers — including airborne, mounted and river units — for the eight-hour event, which will cost the Greater London Authority £400,000 to organise.

It is expected to draw tens of thousands of spectators, despite the forecast of snow.

Dame Kelly Holmes, a double gold medal winner in Athens, will anchor the relay and light the Olympic cauldron. Others among the 80 torch-bearers include Sir Steve Redgrave, Tim Henman and Arsenal footballer Theo Walcott.

The police said they would install a mobile protective ring around the torch, including a team of cyclists. Up to six “flame attendants” from the Beijing Olympic Organising Committee will also run alongside the torch, which will attract a 25-strong convoy of security, VIP and media vehicles.

Andy Burnham, the Culture Secretary, said the Olympics shone a spotlight on the host nation, which was “a good thing”.

He said: “Your country is the focus of the world. But at the same time it may be uncomfortable because it shines the spotlight on everything that happens within your country.”

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