British tourists accompanied by armed police in France as security clampdown launched on beaches

Police presence: security is being tightened in French tourist spots
Jeremy Selwyn
Robin de Peyer28 July 2016

British tourists visiting France will be accompanied by armed police and soldiers this summer.

Holidaymakers can expect heightened security at sites including beaches as well as festivals, stations and airports.

New rules banning backpacks on some beaches have also been introduced on some beaches, The Times reported.

Cannes council announced on Wednesday that the rucksacks and other large non-transparent bags that could hide bombs would be banned from beaches – with offenders expected to be hit with fines or told to leave the area.

Armed police are to patrol the beaches of France to protect tourists after the attack in Nice 
Reuters

It comes amid heightened fears for security in France after a series of devastating terror attacks, including the massacre of 84 people in Nice and the murder of a priest in his church in Normandy on Tuesday.

Each year around 17 million British nationals visit France.

The Foreign Office's travel advice warns that there is "a high threat from terrorism" and also said that the French government had reinforced its security measures.

These include a free smartphone app launched by the French government to warn people of possible security incidents, including all major natural, technological and terrorist-related risks.

The app is called SAIP, is available in English and French, and is available free in the Apple app store on Google Play.

Police and rescue workers stand at the scene in Normany
REUTERS

Yesterday churches in Britain were warned to tighten their security after the murder of an 85-year-old priest in Normandy.

The National Police Chiefs' Council is urging Britain's Christian community to be alert after jihadis reportedly threaten attacks on major world capitals, including London.

Neil Basu, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, said:"Following recent events in France, we are reiterating our protective security advice to Christian places of worship and have circulated specific advice today.

"We are also taking this opportunity to remind them to review their security arrangements as a precaution."

However he added there was no specific intelligence relating to attacks against Christians in the UK.

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