Arrests in France thwart attack on nightspots: official

PARIS – A French police official says five people were arrested outside the city of Lyon with plans to stage attacks on nightspots and leave for Syria.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the ongoing investigation, said four men and a woman were arrested early Tuesday. He said the group had already bought bus tickets to join Muslim extremists in Syria via Bulgaria and Turkey, and was also trying to obtain weapons to attack French nightspots.

At least some of the five were already on the radar of French intelligence for extremist views, he said.

European extremists with the Islamic State group returned to France to carry out the Nov. 13 attacks that left 130 dead in Paris, most at a rock show and bars and restaurants.