WITH the Euros just six weeks away, French police are putting measures in place to ensure the safety of the thousands of Irish fans heading to France for the Euros.
The Police Nationale – who are responsible for protecting the estimated 150,000 Irish fans – have carried out security exercises in Toulouse in preparation for the tournament.
A senior officer for the force’s RAID team told The Irish Sun that fans should feel assured of their safety when the competition kicks off in June.
“Everything has been put in place to protect our European compatriots — we will ensure that the events and the visits of the fans and the teams will pass off in the best possible way,” he said.
He added that the force had also been working in coordination with Gardai regarding the safety of the Irish squad.
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“We have been working with the Irish police, quite a lot, especially in relation to the protection of the Irish team,” he said. “We are hoping to have colleagues who will work directly with our Irish police counterparts who will be protecting the Irish team.
“I cannot say the exact number for security reasons, but there will be officers from RAID working in conjunction with the foreign police.”
Among the exercises reportedly carried out by French police are a suicide attack on fans in a Fanzone and a gun attack on a football team.
The officer and his team were involved in freeing hostages at a Jewish supermarket during a series of co-ordinated terrorist attacks in Paris in January 2015.
Meanwhile, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Charlie Flanagan TD recently released his top 11 tips for Irish fans heading to France for the Euros.
The list advises fans on a range of factors to consider, including acting responsibly, taking out insurance, and following the local rules and customs.
Watch the video below:
WATCH: How elite French cops are preparing to protect Irish football fans at the Euros. http://spr.ly/6012BYjc4
Posted by The Irish Sun on Friday, April 15, 2016
