European Capitals Step Up New Year Celebrations Security Due to Terror Fears

Authorities in the Belgian capital Brussels on Wednesday called off the city's traditional New Year's Eve fireworks display due to fears of a militant attack.

Two people were arrested on Tuesday suspected of plotting an attack in Brussels on New Year's Eve, during house searches in different parts of the country. Another six people were arrested on Thursday.

Brussels mayor Yvan Mayeur told the state broadcaster RTBF that he decided with Belgian Interior Minister Jan Jambon to cancel the celebrations on Thursday evening. Thousands of people attend the event each year in central Brussels.

Shortly after the announcement, technicians started taking down a stage and removing light and sound equipment that had been put in place for the celebrations.

Other European capitals have been scaling down celebration plans or putting extra security in place. In London, more than 2,000 armed police officers were told on Wednesday their annual leave had been cancelled so they could be on duty.

Paris is replacing its traditional fireworks show with a video display on the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elyseés, which will see the biggest public gathering of people since the November attacks on the city, will be closed after 8pm.

Related: Why the Islamic State Attacked Paris — And What Happens Next

On Wednesday, security services in Turkey detained two suspected Islamic State members who they said were planning an attack on celebrations in central Ankara on New Year's Eve. Moscow's Red Square is being closed to the public on New Year's Eve for the first time ever, and in Berlin, backpacks and fireworks will be prohibited and bags will be searched among crowds in front of the Brandenburg Gate.

Earlier this week Austrian police said a warning had been sent by a "friendly" intelligence service to "numerous European capitals" warning that bombings or shootings could take place in crowded places between Christmas and New Year.

Although he did not plan to attend the celebration, 78-year old Brussels resident Anatole Boedt expressed regrets about the cancelation.

"I wouldn't have come but I feel sorry that we had to do it because of a few lunatics, not to use another word," said Boedt, a former artist.

Unaware of the recent news development in the city, tourists were surprised by the news of the cancelation.

Emily Richardson, a tourist from New York City on a tour with her family, said the news was sad.

"I didn't know that the fireworks were cancelled but, now that I found that out, I'm a little sad that they are not doing the fireworks. I think I would have been great if they could still do them for the new year celebration," said Richardson, an advertising strategist.

Related: What We Learned Covering the 2015 Paris Terror Attacks

British tourist Shamal Songra said he trusted the Belgian authorities had good reasons to cancel the fireworks.

"Well, I'm surprised but I imagine they have their reasons so whatever they feel is safer. Safety and security is the most important thing so I'm sure they have their reasons," Songra said.

The two people arrested, who were likely to appear in court on Thursday, belong to the Kamikaze Riders, a motorbike club whose members are mostly of North African origin and whose bike stunts can be seen in various online videos.

Belgium has been at the heart of investigations into attacks in Paris on November 13 in which 130 people were killed.

Two of the Paris suicide bombers, Brahim Abdeslam and Bilal Hadfi, had been living in Belgium. On Wednesday, a source close to the French investigation confirmed a report that said at least one man was suspected of having coordinated the attacks by mobile phone from Belgium as they were being carried out.

Brussels last cancelled its New Year fireworks in 2007, when it was also on high alert after a plan was foiled to free Tunisian Nizar Trabelsi, convicted of plotting to blow up a military base.

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