Wednesday, June 8, 2016

'Terror' at Euro 2016: Armed police swoop on Lyon fan zone for bomb and gun attack drill

Police forces take part in a mock suicide attack exercise as part of security measures for the upcoming Euro 2016 football championship, at the fan zone in Lyon
Anti-terror police swooped on the French city of Lyon last night just days ahead of the official start of Euro 2016 in France .
Emergency responders took part in a mock terror training exercise as travelling fans were warned that tournament venues are potential targets for terrorist attacks .
The drill included a bomb attack followed by armed gunmen at the city's fan zone where supporters will gather to watch matches live on a big screen.
Special forces secured the venue before emergency response teams treated the critically injured.

GettyPolice forces take part in a mock suicide attack exercise as part of security measures for the upcoming Euro 2016 football championship, at the fan zone in Lyon
The 'terror attack' took place at a fanzone in Lyon
GettyPolice forces take part in a mock suicide attack exercise as part of security measures for the upcoming Euro 2016 football championship, at the fan zone in Lyon
Armed police protect 'victims'
The mock terror attack came as British fans travelling to Euro 2016 were warned to remain "vigilant at all times" amid the heightened threat by ISIS terrorists.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office yesterday updated its advice to travellers - aimed at supporters of the England, Wales and Northern Ireland teams.
It specifically highlights several types of location as potential targets for atrocities, including: stadiums, fan zones, other venues broadcasting the tournament and transport hubs and links.
GettyA man playing a terrorist fires at the crowd during a suicide attack exercise as part of security measures for the upcoming Euro 2016 football championship, at the fan zone in Lyon
A 'terrorist' runs from the scene in Lyon
GettyPolice forces take part in a mock suicide attack exercise as part of security measures for the upcoming Euro 2016 football championship, at the fan zone in Lyon
Volunteers took part in the training drill
French police spokesman Michel Delpuech said: "The goal (of this exercise) is for police forces on the one hand, and for rescue services on the other hand - like firemen - to train and practice very professional gestures and sequences.
"The goal is not to do something spectacular or to demonstrate something, it is really to lap teams to very professional gestures, and sequences.
"Are we prepared? Well, I think this is exactly what we are showing tonight in Lyon, as well as in other big French cities.
"Yes, we are prepared, and as we have been preparing ourselves, as we are being vigilant, and as we are and remain lucid, we are serene, and as we are serene, the celebration will go on without any incident."
ReutersRescuers take part in a mock attack drill in the fan zone in the centre of Lyon
Emergency responders treat the 'injured'
GettyPolice forces take part in a mock suicide attack exercise as part of security measures for the upcoming Euro 2016 football championship, at the fan zone in Lyon
Armed officers test their skills ahead of Euro 
British journalist Gavin Lee, who attended the exercise, said the show would reassure fans coming from abroad that security at the venues was taken seriously.
He told Reuters: "There are about half a million football fans from the UK (United Kingdom) who will be coming to France. One of the things that certainly is in the back of people's heads right now is how safe is it to be here.
"So for us to see one of the exercise's taking place, to see how the police, special forces, security services can cope with their responsive levels is something actually people want to see. And also people want to be reassured by if they are coming here as they are in huge numbers."
Lyon is set to host four group matches including Italy's clash with Belgium and Portugal's match against Hungary, as well as a round of 16 game and a semi-final.

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