(VOVworld) - Security is being tightened in major European cities ahead of New Year celebrations, with officials wary of possible terror plots.

Brussels has been on high alert due to fears of a terror attack. (Photo: news.sky.com)

Brussels has cancelled its traditional New Year's Eve celebrations including music shows and fireworks display due to the threat of a terror attack.

Brussels mayor Yvan Mayeur said the decision was made following a risk analysis by security experts.

Around 50,000 people were expected to attend the annual fireworks display in Place de Brouckere. The only event that will continue is the Christmas markets.

Brussels, home to four of the radical Islamist attackers of the Paris on 13 November, revealed "the threat of serious attacks that would target several emblematic places in Brussels and be committed during the end-of-year holidays".

On Wednesday Turkish police arrested two suspected IS members over an alleged plot to attack celebrations in Ankara, exactly at the main square of Kizilay where crowds of people will gather for New Year welcoming.

Turkey is on a high security alert after 103 people were killed on October 10 when two suicide bombers ripped through a crowd of peace activists in Ankara.