German police warn NYE ‘terror attack’ planned in Munich

BERLIN, Germany — German police said Thursday that they had “indications that a terror attack” was being planned for New Year’s Eve in the southern city of Munich, as they called on the public to avoid large gatherings and two key train stations.

“Current indications show that a terror attack is being planned in Munich. Please avoid gatherings of people and the Munich and Pasing train stations,” police said in a tweet.

Both stations have been evacuated, they said, and train services were no longer running at the two  stations.

A police spokeswoman told AFP that they had “reliable information” that a group was planning to act as festivities were well under way on New Year’s Eve.

Although the train stations have been evacuated, the spokeswoman said it could not be ruled out that the attackers could seek another target.

European capitals are on high security alert, with Brussels and Paris both scrapping fireworks for New Year’s celebrations.

In Berlin, the police presence has been stepped up at the Brandenburg Gate, where hundreds of thousands of people have gathered for festivities. All large bags and backpacks have been banned from the site of the huge street party.

In this Nov. 14, 2015 file photo, heavily armed New York city police officers with the Strategic Response Group stand guard at the armed forces recruiting center in New York’s Times Square. Threat of terror attacks by Islamists has prompted heightened security in cities as the world greets the New Year. AP