German police announced on Saturday evening that they were searching Cologne Cathedral (west of the city) using sniffer dogs following a “danger alert” issued on New Year’s Eve.
“Although the information relates to New Year’s Eve, from this evening we will do everything in our power to ensure the safety of visitors to the cathedral on Christmas Eve,” Cologne police chief Michael Esser was quoted as saying in a statement.
After the afternoon Mass, “in consultation with the cathedral security officer,” the cathedral will be searched with the help of sniffer dogs, police said.
“On Sunday, all visitors will be subject to control before entering the temple,” the message says. “Police and the head of the cathedral advise people not to carry bags and to arrive early for Mass,” the document says.
German daily Bild reports in its online edition that security services in Austria, Germany and Spain have received indications that the Islamic group is planning several terrorist attacks in Europe, possibly on New Year’s Eve and Christmas.
According to the newspaper, the targets of these attacks could be Christmas masses in Cologne, Vienna and Madrid.
The newspaper also reports that the first arrests by special forces were made today in Vienna and one in Germany.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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