Rome cautious of terror attack over Easter

Rome is on a state of high alert for Easter, with thousands of troops and police deployed to boost security, after a series of arrests of alleged Islamist extremists raised fears of an attack.

The raids and arrests last week came as Italy’s interior minister warned that foreign fighters are on the run after Isil’s defeats in Syria and Iraq, and that some may try to infiltrate Europe on migrant boats from Libya.

Isil has also repeatedly identified the Vatican as a potential target in its propaganda.