German police search cathedral after security threat

German police announced on Saturday they were searching the cathedral in the western city of Cologne with sniffer dogs following a danger warning for New Year's Eve. Visitors on Sunday will be subject to security checks before entering the Cologne Cathedral.

The German daily Bild reported that officials in Austria, Germany and Spain have all received indications that an Islamist group was planning several attacks in Europe, possibly on New Year's Eve and Christmas. Austrian police said on Saturday they were stepping up checks, especially around churches, religious events and Christmas markets in Vienna