Audio By Carbonatix
Three upcoming Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna have been cancelled following a possible security threat.
The shows, part of Swift's Eras tour, had been due to take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Ernst Happel Stadium.
On Wednesday, two people were arrested on suspicion of planning Islamist attacks on large events in the area around the Austrian capital.
A statement from the organisers said: "Due to confirmation by government officials of a planned terrorist attack at the Ernst Happel Stadium, we have no choice but to cancel the three planned shows for everyone's safety."
The statement added: "All tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 working days."
Earlier, Austria’s General Director for Public Security, Franz Ruf, said a 19-year-old Austrian citizen was arrested on Wednesday morning in Ternitz in the province of Lower Austria.
He said a second arrest took place in Vienna in the afternoon, but gave no further details about the suspect.
“According to the current status of the investigation, the two suspects became radicalised via the internet,” Mr Ruf said.
He said the 19-year-old made “an oath of allegiance” to so-called Islamic State at the beginning of July.
A large police operation took place in Ternitz, where the 19-year-old lived. A number of houses nearby were evacuated while his home was searched.
Mr Ruf said chemical substances had been found and were being examined.
The head of police in Vienna, Gerhard Pürstl, said 65,000 people per day had been expected to attend the concerts, as well as 22,000 fans outside the venue.
Investigations are continuing.
Molly Surette, who lives in Leeds in the UK, had been waiting eagerly to attend Saturday's show with friends, having purchased tickets more than a year ago.
"When she first announced her European tours, I signed up [to try and get tickets] for as many dates as possible," she told the BBC.
"We've been looking forward to it ever since."
The group was making friendship bracelets - which fans have been taking to the shows to swap with each other during the tour - when they heard the shows had been cancelled.
"There's been so much building up to this concert and what the Eras tour is as a unique event to even attend," said Molly.
"And I'm missing that. So I'm devastated. I guess I'll be watching the recorded one!
"But I'm glad everyone is hopefully going to be safe."
Latest Stories
-
Road crashes aren’t linked with wizardry, but driver errors – Bono DVLA Manager
2 minutes -
Fire ravages shop at Kukurantumi
3 minutes -
GTA responds to viral videos alleging kidnapping of tourists
6 minutes -
European leaders walk tightrope between backing Ukraine and keeping US on board
8 minutes -
Otumfuo–Newmont AI for youth center launched in Sankore, Ahafo Region
16 minutes -
Trump to unveil $12bn farm aid package
31 minutes -
Israel’s PM says second phase of Gaza peace plan is close
32 minutes -
We have players who can stand any challenge – John Painstil backs Ghana ahead of 2026 WC
58 minutes -
Celebrating Kufuor at 87: Arthur Kennedy hails statesman’s legacy
1 hour -
Africa launches a landmark cultural institution for fashion, art & creative sovereignty
1 hour -
Parliament notifies EC over vacant Kpandai seat following court re-run order
1 hour -
Salah left out by Liverpool for Inter Milan game
1 hour -
Gov’t lifts curfew in Sawla-Tuna-Kalba after security improves
1 hour -
More than 100 people killed in attack on hospital in Sudan, WHO chief says
1 hour -
West Africa’s Coup Season Should Alarm Ghana: Politics Turns On Moments, Not Models
2 hours
