OLYMPICS TERROR PLOT FOILED

Chechen suspected of planning attack on football match in Saint-Etienne nabbed

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PARIS French security services have arrested a Chechen teenager suspected of plotting an "Islamistinspired" attack on a football match during the Paris Olympic Games in July and August, the interior ministry said on May 31.

According to the ministry, the General Directorate for Internal Security "arrested a 18-year-old of Chechen origin in Saint-Etienne" in south-east France on May 22, calling it "the first foiled attack against the Olympic Games".

France is on its highest alert level for attacks ahead of the July 26-Aug 11 Paris Olympics, when around 10 million visitors and 10,000 athletes are expected to be present.

The global sporting showpiece is set to take place mostly in the capital, but other towns and cities around France will also host some disciplines as well as individual games.

The arrested Chechen was suspected of "actively preparing an attack against the Geoffroy-Guichard Stadium (in Saint-Etienne) during the football games that will take place there", the interior ministry said.

"He intended to attack spectators but also security forces and die as a martyr," its statement added.