German police announced on Saturday evening that they were carrying out searches with sniffer dogs at Cologne Cathedral (West).Hazard notice» Released on New Year's Eve. “Although the information relates to New Year's Eve, we will do everything possible to ensure the safety of visitors to the Cathedral on Christmas Eve from this evening.», Cologne police chief Michael Esser, quoted in a press release.

After evening mass andIn agreement with the Security Manager of the Cathedral ChapterPolice said the cathedral was being searched with sniffer dogs. “On Sunday, all visitors will be screened before entering the place of worship», mentioned in the press release. “Police and the church chapter recommend leaving bags behind and arriving early for mass», it is still written.

It is suspected that more attacks may have taken place in Europe

German newspaper Build Security services in Austria, Germany and Spain have received indications that an Islamic group intends to carry out multiple attacks in Europe on New Year's Eve and Christmas, it said on its website. According to the newspaper, the targets of these attacks could be Christmas masses in Cologne, Vienna and Madrid. He says the first arrests by special forces took place on Saturday in Vienna and in Germany.

A Vienna police official contacted by AFP could not immediately confirm the arrest. Austrian police indicated on Saturday that they were stepping up surveillance around churches, religious events and Christmas markets, particularly in Vienna.

«Terrorist actors in Europe are calling for attacks on Christian events, especially on December 24“, he said in a press release. “Due to the current risk assessment (…) and the ever-increasing terror alert level, the overall risk in Austria during the Christmas holidays is high.», the press release continues.