Police to step up presence at Wembley tonight for England's Euro 2024 qualifier with Italy after gun
Police say there is a ‘robust’ policing plan in place for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy tonight at Wembley – after two Swedish football fans were shot dead by a gunman in Brussels on Monday.
Football fans have been assured that there will be a ‘highly visible’ presence at the stadium for the match, which kicks off at 7.45, following the tragic events on the continent on Monday night.
The Sweden-Belgium qualifier was called off in after two Swedish fans were shot dead by suspect Abdesalem Lassoued, 45, who rode around Brussels on a motorised scooter while openly carrying an assault rifle before being corned
A statement issued by the Met Police ahead of tonight’s game, which kicks off at 7.45, reads: ‘Given the events yesterday in Brussels, those attending the match can be reassured that they will see a highly visible policing presence.
‘Officers are there to ensure the event passes off safely and provide reassurance to those attending.’
Officers from the Metropolitan Police at the England v Australia international friendly at Wembley last week. The Met says fans should expect a robust presence tonight
Superintendent Gerry Parker, match commander for tonight’s game, said: ‘We have been working with our partners, including the FA, in the weeks leading up to this match to ensure those attending the Wembley area enjoy this match.
‘Our officers are experienced in dealing with large-scale public order events, and a flexible plan is in place to reduce the likelihood of crime and disorder, and provide a timely response to any emerging incidents.
‘Please ensure you arrive in good time for the match and remain vigilant throughout; if you see anything suspicious then flag it an officer or one of the match stewards immediately so the necessary action can be taken.’
Armed police cornered Lassoued, a reported ISIS fanatic, inside a café in the Schaerbeek neighbourhood at 8am on Tuesday and shot him him in the chest.
Interior Minister Annelies Verlinden later confirmed Lassoued had been shot and killed by police during his arrest today.
‘The perpetrator of the terrorist attack in Brussels has been identified and has died,’ Verlinden said.
Prime Minister Alexander de Croo earlier said the suspect was of Tunisian origin who had been living in the country illegally before launching what he called a brutal terrorist attack.
Lassoued opened fire on a group of Swedish football fans in a taxi last night as they passed through Boulevard d’Ypres just a few minutes north of the city’s famous Grand Plaza ahead of Belgium’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Sweden.
Several people fled into an apartment building after hearing the gunshots, but Lassoued followed them and opened fire again in the entrance hall in an attack he said was to avenge the killing of a six-year-old US-Palestinian boy.
Following the incident the alleged attacker used the name ‘Slayem Slouma’ to boast about the two murders on Facebook, adding he sought to avenge the killing of a six-year-old US-Palestinian boy.
Speaking in Arabic in the video, Lassoued celebrated the slaughter, and said he ‘was inspired by the Islamic State’ terror group, prosecutors said.
More to follow.
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