Police add armed guards for France vs. England match in London

 By 
Blathnaid Healy
 on 
Original image replaced with Mashable logo
Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

LONDON -- As the French football team prepares for an emotional match against England on Tuesday night, police are drafting extra security for Wembley Stadium.

Highly visible armed guards will patrol the stadium and there will be a heavier presence throughout the London transport network in advance.

Ticket holders have been asked to arrive early because of searches taking place at the entry points to the stadium.

"Ahead of tomorrow's England vs. France match we have carried out a full and thorough review of our policing operation, in light of the tragic events in Paris last Friday," Met Police's Deputy Assistant Commissioner Peter Terry said in a statement on Monday afternoon.

"Our focus is the public's safety and security. I would stress that our plans are purely precautionary and not as a result of any specific intelligence."

Paris' Stade de France was the site of some of the attacks on Friday night. Three suicide bombers detonated their explosives near the stadium, and a bystander was killed in one of the blasts. At least one of the bombers intended to enter the stadium, but was caught by security guards, likely averting a deadlier attack, The Wall Street Journal reported.

During the attacks elsewhere in the city, France midfielder Lassana Diarra's cousin was killed and France forward Antoine Griezmann's sister escaped from a concert hall where 89 people died.

The French team held a press conference Monday afternoon in which they talked about the mood in camp ahead of the match.

"We're very touched by the messages of support ... in England and in London," France's team captain Hugo Lloris told reporters in Wembley.

"Tomorrow will be a great moment of solidarity, the last three days were a bit dramatic," he said, adding that the game will be an opportunity for them to show character.

Prince William will go to the friendly match, Kensington Palace have confirmed in a tweet.

The Duke of Cambridge, President of the @FA, will attend tomorrow's match at Wembley between @england and France @FFF— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) November 16, 2015

Earlier Monday, Prime Minister David Cameron said he would be prepared to take his children to match as it's important the country keeps life going as normal and shows "resolve".

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