Officials have foiled a wave of terror attacks planned for during the Euro 2016 tournament.
An attacker identified as Gregoire Moutaux had planned to launch assaults on Jewish and Islamic places of worship as well as public buildings in France, according to the head of Ukraine’s security service.
The Frenchman allegedly had two rocket-launchers, 100 detonators, more than 100kg of TNT explosives and five Kalashnikov assault rifles when he was arrested by police.
It comes just days after the US issued a “terrorism risk” warning about travelling to Europe and specifically named the football tournament as a target.
The fanatics were planning to use suicide bombers, guns and even drones carrying chemical weapons to attack Three Lions fans in Marseille.
Detectives said they found data on a laptop used by Salah Abdeslam, suspected mastermind of the Paris and Brussels attacks, outlining a plan to target England supporters as they gather in the city for the June 11 clash with Russia.
It is feared followers of Abdeslam are determined to carry out the attack despite his capture.
Last week the US warned its citizens about travelling to Europe in summer and said restaurants, commercial centres and transportation are all potentially at risk of terror attacks.
The travel warning highlighted a number of specific events including Euro 2016 from June 10 to July 10, and the Tour de France from July 2 to July 24.
A spokesman said its travel alert, warning US citizens of risk levels for visiting Europe expires, August 31.
Meanwhile Britain’s most senior police chief has admitted Euro 2016 is a potential target for ISIS.
The NetherlandsEuropol director Rob Wainwright said the threat against Euro 2016 is “high”
Rob Wainwright, director of EU law enforcement agency Europol, said he has “no doubt” terrorists want to attack the tournament.
He described the threat as “high” and admitted it was impossible to completely guarantee the safety of supporters.
Euro 2016 will take place amid an atmosphere of high alert following atrocities in Paris and Brussels
Euro 2016: Terror Plans Detected Ahead of Kick Off
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