Terrorists' next target? Paris attacks mastermind had photos of Birmingham on his smartphone

Abdelhamid Abaaoud reportedly had photos of UK targets on his phone. Photo / AP

The mastermind of the Paris terror attacks had photos of UK targets on his mobile phone.

According to the Daily Mail investigators found photos of Birmingham on Abdelhamid Abaaoud's smartphone, raising the possibility the UK was a potential target.

One source suggests Abaaoud may have taken the pictures himself meaning he was able to enter the UK prior to the terror attacks despite already being the subject of an international manhunt.

Image 1 of 16: A bird flies in front of the Eiffel Tower ,which remained closed on the first of three days of national mourning. Photo / Daniel Ochoa de Olza

The Mail also discovered he had been linked to four foiled plots this year and was in contact with associates in the Midlands prior to the Paris attacks.

Another member of the Paris attackers is also believed to have visited Birmingham.

Police are reportedly taking the links between the Isis extremists and Birmingham "deadly seriously".

It is thought that Abaaoud was in contact with Moroccans living in the Bordesley Green and Alum Rock areas of the city. Both regions have been at the centre of recent counter-terrorism investigations.

Abaaoud is thought to be the mastermind behind the attacks in Paris which left 130 people dead. He was killed by police in a shootout following the attacks.

- nzherald.co.nz