Boston: Tighter security in France

INCREASED police patrols have been ordered on to the streets of major French towns after the Boston marathon bombing which claimed three lives, including an eight-year-old boy, and at least 140 injured.

Interior Minister Manuel Valls ordered prefects to get “reinforced police on the streets without delay” and to make the security of public places a priority. He also called on people to watch out for suspect bags or parcels.

High-profile events such as the Foire de Paris at Porte de Versailles later this month and the Cannes Film Festival in May will now come under increased security.

The Vigipirate terror alert across France has been at “strong red” since the invasion of Mali to push out Islamists in January. It has been at “red” since 2005 but the Interior Ministry said that there were no plans to increase the alert to the final “scarlet” level.

Photo: Frog and Onion