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TIGHT DEFENCE

Armed cops in armoured ‘Guardian’ vans swoop on Wembley as 90,000 fans descend for England v Lithuania clash after ISIS fanatics call for attacks on UK stadiums

Reports emerging this morning suggested football fans could become targets for lone wolf jihadists

ARMED police have thrown a ring of steel around England's clash with Lithuania at Wembley in the wake of Wednesday's terror attack.

Up to 90,000 fans are descending on the capital for the World Cup qualifier amid heightened security in the capital.

Armoured cars were on scene at Wembley Way as police stepped up security ahead of England's clash with Lithuania
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Armoured cars were on scene at Wembley Way as police stepped up security ahead of England's clash with LithuaniaCredit: Reuters
The Lithuania game is a sell-out with 90,000 fans heading down Wembley Way this afternoon
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The Lithuania game is a sell-out with 90,000 fans heading down Wembley Way this afternoonCredit: PA:Press Association
The Met confirmed earlier today that it is ramping up security for the sell-out World Cup qualifier
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The Met confirmed earlier today that it is ramping up security for the sell-out World Cup qualifierCredit: Rex Features
Armed cops are snapped below the Wembley arch before kick off this afternoon
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Armed cops are snapped below the Wembley arch before kick off this afternoonCredit: Getty Images
The officers kept a close eye on proceedings as fans funnelled past them this afternoon
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The officers kept a close eye on proceedings as fans funnelled past them this afternoonCredit: Getty Images
But most officers appeared relaxed as a calm crowd filed up Wembley Way
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But most officers appeared relaxed as a calm crowd filed up Wembley WayCredit: Reuters

And the Met confirmed a strong presence as armed police were pictured on guard before the Group F match.

Among the defensive arsenal was its bomb-proof truck known as "The Guardians".

The increased security comes as it was revealed Islamists discussed how to attack UK football stadiums on anonymous chat app Telegram.

Scotland Yard said no specific threat was behind today's boost in security, but was in response to the Westminster terror attack that left three pedestrians and a policeman dead.

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Urging fans to "be vigilant" a statement read: "In light of Wednesday's attack, additional patrols are being carried out across the capital to provide reassurance.

"These will include patrols by armed police around Wembley Stadium."

Heavily-armed cops were spotted patrolling around the national stadium this afternoon as throngs of Three Lions fans made their way to the ground.

Many were spotted on Wembley Way - the main concourse than funnels almost 100,000 footie fans from Wembley Park Tube station to the turnstiles.

Gareth Southgate's men are facing Lithuania as they bid to continue their romp towards 2018 World Cup qualification.

Reports emerging this morning suggested football fans could become targets for lone wolf jihadists.

One of the Guardian vans was snapped below the Wembley arch
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One of the Guardian vans was snapped below the Wembley archCredit: phcimages.com
Armed police are on standby as 90,000 fans make their way to the national stadium days after London was hit by a terror attack
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Armed police are on standby as 90,000 fans make their way to the national stadium days after London was hit by a terror attackCredit: Reuters
Sniffer dogs were used as fans queued to go through the turnstiles
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Sniffer dogs were used as fans queued to go through the turnstilesCredit: EPA
The fearsome Guardian motors are the newest addition to the Met's anti-terror team
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The fearsome Guardian motors are the newest addition to the Met's anti-terror teamCredit: Reuters
The giant armoured car caught the attention of some Three Lions fans on their way to the match
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The giant armoured car caught the attention of some Three Lions fans on their way to the matchCredit: Reuters

A investigation found Islamists had discussed how a ground could be hit during a terror attack.

One chilling group read: "Methods can include entering the stadium and detonating an explosive(s).

“Attacking fans/security at full time in the vicinity of the car park area or exits of the stadium.

"Devices can be left in around the stadium, bars, cars, busses, trains, transportation etc.

“Attacks can compromise of explosives, gun attacks, knife, martyrdom vests, CHEMICAL and any other.”

Dozens of heavily-armed police were pictured outside the stadium
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Dozens of heavily-armed police were pictured outside the stadiumCredit: Reuters
The huge vehicles are complete with bars on the front to punch through barricades
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The huge vehicles are complete with bars on the front to punch through barricades
The Met said it had ramped up security for the match in the wake of the Wednesday attack in Westminster
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 The Met said it had ramped up security for the match in the wake of the Wednesday attack in WestminsterCredit: Reuters
The Met also brought in teams of sniffer dogs as crowds started to build this afternoon
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The Met also brought in teams of sniffer dogs as crowds started to build this afternoonCredit: Rex Features
Gareth Southgate has called on Englands fans to make the nation proud at Wembley on Sunday
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England boss Gareth Southgate is overseeing the Three Lions clash with Lithuania at Wembley todayCredit: PA:Press Association

ISIS supporters had earlier used the secretive messaging app to urge lone wolf attacks on Britain just weeks before the Westminster attack.

Weeks later PC Keith Palmer was knifed to death by Islamist Khalid Masood in front of the Palace of Westminster.

Masood also killed three pedestrians in a murderous car rampage on Westminster Bridge before being shot dead by a plain-clothes cop.

Paris terror attack mastermind Abdelhamid Abaaoud was found to have pictures of Aston Villa and Birmingham City's stadiums and well as Edgbaston Cricket ground on his phone following his arrest in 2015.

The Stade de France stadium was targeted by three suicide bombers as France played Germany during his assault on the French capital.


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