German police have arrested three Islamists on suspicion of preparing an attack in Cologne during the New Year holidays.
Two of the arrests took place last night in the aforementioned German city (west of the country) while the third suspect was arrested on December 24. Examination of the belongings and interrogation of the first detainee led authorities to the other three suspects, the press reported to the police.
The car parks near the cathedral have been inspected by the police for explosives but, so far, nothing has been found.
In Cologne and other nearby cities, a major operation has been deployed in recent days with a thousand agents destined to guarantee security near the cathedral.
"The police have taken all necessary measures so that citizens can celebrate New Year's Eve in peace," said the Minister of the Interior of the federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia, Herbert Reul.
