Cops on camels patrol England’s World Cup HQ after Iranian plot to kill Brits

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    Security guards are patrolling England’s World Cup HQ in the desert on Camels.

    A 14-strong "sand squad" was spotted trotting around the Three Lions’ hotel in Qatar while the players were holed up inside.

    The move came as spy chiefs revealed assassins from Iran – England’s opening match opponents at the tournament – have tried to kill or kidnap 10 Brits this year.

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    MI5 chief Ken McCallum said it was "completely unacceptable activity". On Thursday evening (November 17) the Foreign Office was advising Brits not to travel to Iran.

    The Islamic nation’s Kish Island – packed with malls, tourist attractions and resort hotels – sits just 192 miles off Qatar in the Persian Gulf.

    England will play Iran at football for the first time in history in their opening group game at the Khalifa International Stadium in Qatar on Monday at 4pm. Up to 10,000 Three Lions’ supporters are expected to be at the match.

    A ring of steel has been thrown around the Three Lions’ HQ ahead of the game. Security guards are stationed every 30 yards around the 10ft high perimeter walls.

    Police have sealed off roads leading to the Souk Al Wakra Hotel and were last night guarding all entrances. The camel cops – in traditional white robes – patrolled the promenade between the hotel and the beach.

    They are similar to the traditional security force used to guard the palace of Tamim Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar. Like the guards at Buckingham Palace they perform a twin function as a popular tourist attraction while at the same time monitoring security.

    One local said: "The camel-mounted royal guards are well known here. They are a symbol of security at the Emir Palace and a visible sign of security around the England team hotel.

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    "They are popular and effective. It is a softly, softly approach to policing but it works well."

    There was also tight security around the Iranian team’s AlRayyan Hotel 22 miles away in Qatar’s capital Doha. Residents only were allowed in.

    Asked about the diplomatic war of words between the two nations Iran winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh, 29, who used to play for Brighton, replied: "We are here for our duty and our duty is to play football.

    "That is the main thing everybody is focused on. Since I was a kid I was always dreaming to play for the national team.

    "Every single guy who represents the Iran national team has worked so hard to be here. We’ve been through a lot of difficulties.

    "Throughout the years there has been a lot of up and downs in every way we can talk about but when football comes together I think we can make joy and we can make happiness for people.’"

    Labour has called for Iran to be kicked out of the World Cup just like Russia after revelations of the plots to kill Brits which were foiled by security forces.

    According to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Brits should not travel to Iran. Anyone who does should "maintain a low profile and keep up to date with developments".

    "In the event that the situation deteriorates further the ability of the British Embassy to provide assistance to British nationals from within Iran may be limited," its website adds.

    A Football Association spokesman declined to comment last night. A source said it was "a matter for the Government".

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