Euro 2016 terror alert

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls confirmed security forces will be at full force until after Uefa’s showcase competition in June.

The current state of emergency gives extra powers to police and security forces – and it runs until May 26.

It comes as armed cops carrie out a simulated response to a terrorist attack and hostage-taking situation at a Paris railway station.

France carried out simulated terror drills in Bordeaux earlier this month to counter a potential attack in a fans’ zone during Euro 2016.

Up to 62,000 fans could gather at the city’s Place des Quinconces – the EU’s second largest city square.

Mr Valls told France Info Radio: "The state of emergency cannot be permanent, but on the occasion of these big events ... we have decided to prolong.”

Mohamed Abrini, who was arrested following the attacks in Belgium last month, said the football competition was a target.

It comes as Daily Star Online revealed how islamic extremists have been plotting attacks on packed sports stadiums for more than a decade.

Meanwhile one million staff who work in crowded places in the UK will be trained in how to deal with terror attacks.

Counter terrorism chiefs want companies who operate in city centres and sports and entertainment venues to teach their staff how to react in the case of an attack.

Detective chief superintendent Scott Wilson, from the Security and Counter Terrorism Expo, said the incentive builds on Project Griffin, a scheme where officers brief around 100,000 workers a year.

He said: "We need everyone to play a part in keeping the public alert, not alarmed. Police can help explain what the threats and risks to different sectors are, but companies are better placed to explain to staff exactly what action they can take to enhance their security and how to respond if the worst happens.

"Individual organisations have vital protective security information such as building layouts, security equipment and safety procedures. They have the local knowledge that could be vital to keeping staff and the public safe."

(dailystar.co.uk)