Many European cities are on high alert for terrorist attacks following the massacre at Charles University in the heart of Prague.
German police carried out checks at the cathedral in Cologne, and reportedly made at least one arrest.
“Although the information concerns New Year’s Eve, we will ensure from tonight onwards the safety of visitors to the cathedral because of Christmas,” said Cologne’s police chief, Michael Esser.
After the evening service, the site was searched by trained dogs. “On Sunday, all visitors will be checked before entering the place of worship,” police clarified, recommending worshippers arrive early and not carry bags.
German newspaper Bild reported on its website that security services in Austria, Germany and Spain had indications that an Islamist group wanted to carry out several attacks in Europe, possibly on New Year’s Eve and Christmas Day. According to this source, the targets may be churches in Cologne, Vienna, and Madrid.
It is noted that the special police forces in Vienna have also made arrests.
Five people have been arrested and detained in eastern France as part of an investigation by the country’s intelligence services into the formation of a terrorist criminal organization.
The French authorities have been alert since October for a possible terrorist threat.