French police are drawing up contingency plans for a possible nerve-gas attack on football fans during the European championships this summer.
The preparations have been given added urgency by reports that the Islamist cell behind the recent Paris and Brussels terrorist attacks is plotting to hit France again as it plays host to the biggest European football tournament yet. The cell’s Syrian-based commanders have singled out France because of its role in the war on Islamist terrorism abroad and its tough line on jihadists at home.
Supporters of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland will be among the 2.5 million fans expected to attend 51 matches in ten cities from June 10 to July 10; a schedule that presents an enormous challenge
