France launches terrorist attack alert app for Euro 2016
Available in English and French, the app will send a smartphone alert if an attack occurs n
The French government has created an emergency alert application intended to send swift warnings to smartphone users in the event of a bombing, shooting or other disaster.
The app, developed after last year's bloody attacks on Paris, is being released Wednesday ahead of the European Championship soccer tournament, which starts June 10.
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Available in English and French, the app can be configured to release a smartphone alert if an attack occurs nearby. Officials demonstrating the app showed a smartphone screen turning crimson along with the words "ALERT," a brief description of what was happening and advice on how to react.
Initially configured to alert only armed attacks and bombings, French officials eventually plan to update the app so that it can flag industrial accidents, floods and other emergencies.
The U,K. foreign office warns British citizens travelling to Euro 2016 that there is currently a high threat of terrorism in France.
"During Euro 2016, stadiums, fan zones, venues broadcasting the tournament and transport hubs and links represent potential targets for terrorist attacks," it says on its foreign travel advice website. "You should be vigilant at all times, especially in areas hosting Euro 2016 events, and follow the advice of local French authorities."
On Monday, the Security Service of Ukraine said it had thwarted a plot to attack Euro 2016 by arresting a heavily armed Frenchman attempting to cross from Ukraine into the European Union via Poland.