Police in Munich evacuated Munich’s main train station and a second station in the city’s Pasing district in response to a credible terrorist threat to the Bavarian capital EPA.
The Munich’s police headquarters authorities had received information that the terror group Islamic State was behind the threat.
The warning by police in the capital of Bavaria state was issued just before 10:45 p.m. local time, but few details were immediately available. It is unclear if any festivities will be canceled.
Police said in a statement.”Please avoid crowds and train stations. We will provide updates on the current situation.” They also said to stay away from the city’s main train station and a second train as five to seven suicide bombers were planning attacks on the main Hauptbahnhof station and Pasing station at the western end of the city centre.
Joachim Herrman, the Interior Minister for the southern state of Bavaria, said .”The Federal Criminal Authority informed Bavarian police of indications provided by a friendly intelligence service that the IS was planning an attack at tonight midnight (10:00am AEDT) at Munich’s main rail station and/or Pasing station.”
About 550 officers were deployed to track down the suspects and secure the sites. Large bags and backpacks were banned from the site of the huge street party.
But despite the police warnings, thousands of people filled the streets of the German city to welcome in the New Year with fireworks and festivities.
In Berlin, the police presence was stepped up at the Brandenburg Gate, where hundreds of thousands of people gathered for festivities. No arrests have been made.