Beckham at risk of terrorist attack

David Beckham is surrounded by security guard as he walks in Milan Photo: AP Photo / Alberto Pellaschiar

AC Milan new signings David Beckham will be surrounded by 24-hour guards on high alert when he arrives in Dubai on Monday amid fears of a terrorist attack.

Fear of a terrorist attack surrounds the superstar as he prepares to make his debut for the Rossoneri in the Middle East next week.

Becks will spark the state’s biggest ever security operation after British intelligence at MI6 has suggested a terror attack could happen 'at any time.'

Beckham, who is on loan to the Italian giants from LA Galaxy, due to make several public appearances before playing in a friendly match against Hamburg on January 6.

And security forces fear Beckham is an ideal high-profile target for Al-Qaida or Osama Bin Laden sympathisers.

A member of the Beckham security team told the Daily Star: "It’s a huge headache.

"We are planning as if it is a state visit. Security measures could not be any higher.

"We’re used to stars coming to Dubai but what makes this different are the public appearances he will be making – autograph signings and training sessions.

"Fans want to meet him face-to-face and that poses a different kind of risk to what we normally see."

The England midfielder will be watched by armed guards 24 hours a day. It is also expected that the roads around venues where he will be training will be sealed off.

And fans will be forced to pass through airport-style scanning machines before being allowed anywhere near Beckham.

The Foreign Office upped its threat level for Dubai earlier this year to 'high.' Its current warning to British travellers states: "We believe terrorists may be planning to carry out attacks in the UAE. Attacks could be indiscriminate and could happen at any time."

Beckham was previously warned about security in Dubai when he bought an £800,000 property on the Palm Jumeirah – the man-made island shaped like a palm tree – in 2002.

An attack on the getaway has been feared since it was featured in a video made by Osama bin Laden’s supporters in 2006.