Hundreds of armed police guard Paris tourist attractions after influx of criminal gangs from eastern Europe

It follows rise in beggars and pickpockets from Romania and Bulgaria

The Louvre has 20 permanent uniformed officers patrolling its galleries

Staff went on strike over attacks by youngsters stealing from visitors

Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur and Pompidou Centre also heavily guarded

Hundreds of armed police have been placed around Paris' major tourist monuments because of an influx of criminal gangs from eastern Europe.

It follows a huge increase in the number of aggressive beggars and pickpockets flooding into the French capital from Romania and Bulgaria – countries whose citizens will soon have unrestricted access to the UK.

The Louvre alone now has 20 permanent uniformed officers patrolling its galleries, with five of them placed at the entrance.

Guard: Officers atthe Louvre, one of a number of attractions in Paris where security has been tightened



They arrived at the weekend, after staff went on strike to complain about youngsters attacking them as they steal from visitors.



Similar patrols have been placed around sacred monuments including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Sacre-Cœur, the Eiffel Tower, the Pompidou Centre, and even the Palace of Versailles, west of Paris.

Explaining the Louvre deployment, deputy director Herve Barbaret said: 'The presence of uniformed police officers has a significant deterrent effect.

'We hope they will stay as long as possible, for several months, until the situation returns to normal.'

Mr Herve said plain clothes officers were also mingling with some of the eight million plus people who visit the Louvre every year – many of whom are from