Manchester United appoint full-time counter-terrorism chief

Manchester United have appointed a counter-terrorism manager to bolster security at Old Trafford amid fears the Theatre of Dreams could become a target for extremists.

They are believed to be the first sports club in the country to take such a step, says the BBC. The post has been filled by a former inspector from Greater Manchester Police's specialist search unit.

"Staff at Old Trafford are being coached through protocols and search layouts by him as the club strive for the most effective preventative measures," reports the Daily Mail.

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"United increased their security checks in response to the Paris terror attacks in November 2015... Full body searches were introduced at United with cars also checked on entry. Every window at Old Trafford was covered in clear anti-shatter film last year with the aim of protecting those inside in the event of an explosion."

However, there have been significant security breaches at Old Trafford in the past 12 months.

United's game against Bournemouth at the end of last season was postponed after a fake bomb was discovered at the stadium. It had been left behind after a training exercise.

While "security measures at Old Trafford have been significantly increased" since then, reports the Daily Telegraph, in November, "two supporters evaded Old Trafford security by hiding in the stadium toilets".

The fans had broken off from a tour group and spent the night inside the ground in the hope of watching the game against Arsenal the following day. They were not discovered until after kick-off.

The appointment could set a precedent for big sports clubs and other venues.

"Last year, security expert Baroness Ruth Henig called for licensing laws to be changed to force entertainment venues around the UK to undergo counter-terror training," reports the BBC.