He was killed during a police siege days later but according to Mail on Sunday sources the terrorist’s smartphone contained photos of the Bullring as well as other sites in the city.
This is not the first time the jihadi has been linked to the West Midlands.
Weeks after the attack, investigators warned that Abaaoud had chilling photos of British landmarks on his phone, some of which may have been taken in person. West Midlands Police have repeatedly batted away rumours of an attack on Britain’s second city.
The Bullring is one of the busiest parts of Birmingham with hundreds of thousands of people expected to visit this week for last minute Christmas shopping. Boasting 160 shops, including the distinctive landmark Selfridges building, the photos on Abaaoud’s phone suggest the Bullring, in the heart of the city centre, could have been a target.
It’s believed Abaaoud, who was under an international arrest warrant, was in regular contact with an extremist Islamic terror cell in the West Midlands before his death.
Hammerson, the company which owns the Bullring, is constantly reviewing its security.
A spokesman for Hammerson said: "As the owner of a number of the UK’s most popular shopping destinations, the safety of our staff and customers has always been our number one priority. We have a robust security protocol in place, which is constantly reviewed and adjusted as appropriate in response to the specific threat level as advised by the relevant authorities."
West Midlands Police lead for Counter Terrorism, ACC Marcus Beale said: “Whilst the threat level across the country is at a severe level it has been at this level since August 2014 - Businesses, our partners and the public should continue as they have been.
“We are of course urging people to be alert but not alarmed and report anything suspicious at the first opportunity.”
