London, Jan 25 : Josef Fritzl, the Austrian incest fiend who locked up his daughter in a dungeon for 24 years and raped her more than 3,000 times, is terrified that a vigilante will attack him at his forthcoming trial, according to reports.

The 73-year-old beast, who is currently in custody at Austria's St Poelten prison, has reportedly asked for extra security for the court case.

Fritzl apparently realised the danger he was in after reading death threats sent to his legal team, reports the Daily Star.

Defence lawyer Rudolf Mayer said: "I had people call me on the phone - one from England told me, `I've seen a bit too much of your rat-like face on the TV lately - you'd better be careful."

Others made threats to kill him in anonymous letters. Also pals of Fritzl who tried to sell his story have been forced into hiding since their attempts were made public.

Therefore, Fritzl, who following three newspapers to see how his case is being reported, has been left terrified at the thought of a vigilante attack.

He has told Meyer he wants extra security - or even the right not to have to appear in person at court - something he has been told will not happen.

His trial is set to start on March 16 and Austrian prosecutors expect it to last four days.

Franz Cutka, deputy head of St Poelten criminal court, said Fritzl would face charges of rape, imprisonment, murder, incest, slavery and abuse.

Fritzl's daughter Elisabeth was made pregnant seven times by her evil dad and she and her children have now been moved to a secret address believed to be close to her elder sister Ulrike in central Austria. (ANI)