S. African thugs threaten to rob and kill Brit footie fans during World Cup

London, Jan.20 (ANI): South African thugs armed with guns have gone on television and threatened to "rob and kill" England fans at this summer's World Cup.

According to a report in the Daily Mirror, the thugs with stockings over their heads, warned travelling supporters they will be hunted down.

They were seen on screen brandishing and loading guns and said they were going to target innocent fans "in revenge for colonial wrongs".

And the armed louts taunted worried authorities by bragging: "We'll shoot our way out of a stand-off with police if we feel our lives are in danger."

Police are now hunting the gang and have subpoenaed two journalists on the eNews channel in a bid to discover the identities of the mob.

South Africa's police minister Nathi Mthethwa and police national commissioner Bheki Cele both condemned the TV station for allowing the thugs to go on air.

Mthethwa said: "It provides an unwanted public platform for thugs and criminals to serve to undermine South Africa's efforts to ensure a safe and secure 2010 World Cup."

Foreign Office chiefs have warned Three Lions supporters to watch their backs when they travel to watch boss Fabio Capello's men in June. (ANI)