On the eve of the keenly awaited Euro 2004 football finals, some 15 people of Arab origin have been arrested in Oporto city, Portugal. Five of those arrested are suspected to have links with a terrorist group, reports said.

Police and intelligence agencies have reported that the arrests were made on Friday, following information  from other European countries. The 15 could be released after spending a little time custody.

With the terrorist threat looming across the Western world, Portugal has taken extra security measures to ensure the Euro 2004 finals pass off peacefully. During the tournament, over 20,000 police officers and the army will patrol the streets. Security officers will be positioned inside the stadiums during each of the 31 Euro 2004 matches, it is reported.

Complete coverage: Euro 2004