Europe ramps up security measures as it gets ready to ring in the New Year

European countries were on Saturday getting ready to ring in the New Year amid heightened security measures faced with a looming terror threat.


Many European authorities were calling on citizens flocking to New Year's Eve events to remain calm.

Berlin _ where the most recent terror attack on European soil took place _ Paris, Rome and Madrid were among the capitals where authorities were beefing up security measures due to high terror threat levels.

A "party mile" has been installed in Berlin between the iconic Brandenburg Gate and the Victory Column, where up to one million people are expected to congregate to ring in the New Year.

Some 1,800 police officers were to be deployed in the German capital, along with 800 private security officials.

In Brussels, military patrols were to be deployed at Christmas markets and central area access was to be restricted in order to avoid mass congregations.

Security checkpoints were also to be installed, while those carrying backpacks and glass bottles would not be allowed to access certain areas.

Brussels was on threat level three on a scale of four, indicating a serious and real threat.
EFE
31/12/16