SECURITY is being stepped up at the region’s football grounds in wake of the Paris attacks.

Sunderland AFC have announced that no large bags or rucksacks will be allowed inside the Stadium of Light under any circumstances on match-day and all small bags, including handbags, will be searched on entry.

The move follows Friday’s terror attack when suicide bombers targeted France's friendly against Germany at the Stade de France.

The club said on Friday that due to the “unprecedented circumstances” it would be “rigorously applying” existing regulations to deny entry to anyone who declined a bag search.

Flasks, containers, bottles and cans will also be confiscated and the club is asking supporters to arrive early for games in light of the enhanced safety measures.

Sunderland AFC’s head of safety Paul Weir said: “We would ask supporters to please take heed of the advice, which has been implemented to ensure the safety of everyone attending games at the Stadium of Light.

“We recognise that such measures may inconvenience some people, but safety will always be our number one priority.

“We would also ask supports to show patience with stewards and safety officials as they conduct their duties.”

The French national anthem will be played before all this weekend’s Premier League matches, including Newcastle United’s home fixture with Leicester on Saturday, to remember the 129 victims of the terror attacks.

The words to La Marseillaise will be displayed on the stadium screen, while the French tricolor flag will fly above the East Stand at St James’ Park and United players will wear black armbands as a show of respect.

Steve Storey, head of safety and security at Newcastle United, said: "The safety of supporters remains our utmost priority and we have fully reviewed our protocols in line with current guidance from the national security services and the Premier League.

"Following consultation with Northumbria Police, we would like to reassure supporters that appropriate safety and security measures are in place at St. James' Park.

"We ask that supporters come and enjoy Saturday's game as they usually would and to please speak to their nearest steward or police officer should they have any concerns."