(VOVworld)- The Austrian police warned Saturday that European capitals could suffer shooting or bomb attacks this New Year. Police across the continent are stepping up their security measures.

An Austrian Army Alouette III helicopter hovers in front of the city hall as it lands in the centre of Vienna, Austria, October 19, 2015. (Reuters)

The Austrian police on Saturday quoted an intelligence agency as saying that a number of European cities are threatened by terrorist attacks. According to the intelligence service, on the days between Christmas and the New Year numerous European capitals could suffer attacks involving explosives or a shooting. Several names of potential attackers were mentioned but investigations have so far yielded no arrests. The Austrian police have strengthened security in Vienna and other cities, inspecting security stations to ensure their readiness and remaining on high alert, especially in crowded public places and near transportation centers.

Police in other European countries have also increased surveillance at key public locations. The French police have deployed more than 48,000 officers to guard sensitive places during the school vacation from December 19 to January 1. In Paris, police equipped with heavy weapons have strengthened patrols outside France’s two biggest shopping centers. Check-points have been set up outside churches across France to intercept guns and explosives.

Security has also been strengthened in Asia. The Beijing Police has increased patrols to detect terrorist attacks after several foreign embassies in Beijing warned of possible attacks on Westerners on or around Christmas Day. In Indonesia, security forces have been deployed nationwide to prevent terrorism. In Bali 10,000 will be on alert until January 2.