Millwall have terror alert raised to highest level over fears of a plot to attack The Den last month
Dail Mail
Saturday 7th October 2017
Millwall were given the highest terror alert level as fears grew over a scheme to attack The Den last month.
A member of staff, who converted to Islam, was known to be sending video footage of the stadium filmed on his mobile to a friend in Pakistan - and club bosses were informed, according to The Sun.
His Facebook page contained screen grabs of the FaceTime conversation he had with his friend.
Millwall had their terror alert level raised to the highest level possible last month
The worker was subsequently suspended before Millwall called in counter-terror police.
Police raised the threat level to the highest allowed for any football club.
They spoke to the member of staff but did not arrest him. He was also admitted to hospital with fears over his mental health.
The employee has been working at the club for over a decade but, while he has been discharged from hospital, he remains on sick leave.
The club contacted the police after they were tipped off regarding a member of staff
Security was increased for the games against Reading and Barnsley over the last two weeks.
A source told The Sun: 'The alert was raised by a member of staff and the club was quick to head off any possible threat.
'The police took it really seriously and plain-clothes officers have been trawling the stadium speaking to staff.
'Security was stepped up across the club but police have said there's no direct threat.'
Security was stepped up but a source said the police believe there to be no direct threat
In a statement, Millwall said: 'Millwall FC wishes to stress to its supporters and staff that anti-terror police units, after a thorough and exhaustive investigation, have found no evidence of a direct or indirect threat to the football club, its stadium, employees or fan base.
'The club wishes to praise the individual who brought information to its attention which led to the immediate suspension, pending further investigation, of a member of staff.
'That employee is now on sick leave and it would be inappropriate to provide any details of their condition. No arrests have been made.
No arrests have been made over the incident, according to a statement from Millwall
'The club has reviewed and furthered already rigorous existing security measures and will continue to work closely with the police and its security team to ensure the safety of all those associated with Millwall.'
A Met Police spokesman said: 'We would like to reassure the public that we constantly review security plans for public events, taking into account specific intelligence and the wider threat.
'Our priority is the safety and security for all those attending or involved, the public are encouraged to continue with their plans to attend or take part in events as normal.
'We do not discuss specific security arrangements as this would be extremely unhelpful in our ongoing efforts to counter terrorism.'
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