New Year's Eve terror plot 'foiled' in New York

US authorities arrest and charge a 25-year-old man who planned to attack a restaurant in Rochester, New York on New Year's Eve.

THURSDAY 31 DECEMBER 2015

Emanuel Lutchman has been arrested and charged with attempting to provide material support to the so-called Islamic State, the U.S. Justice Department said on Thursday.

Lutchman "planned to kill innocent civilians on New Year's Eve in the name of the terrorist organization," said Assistant Attorney General Carlin.

According to court records, Lutchman claimed to be receiving directions from an overseas Isis member and planned to attack a restaurant or bar in the Rochester area of New York.

"The FBI remains concerned about people overseas who use the Internet to inspire people in the United States to commit acts of violence where they live," said FBI Special Agent Adam S. Cohen.

European alert

Meanwhile, police in Belgium have detained six people in connection with an alleged plot to target New Year's Eve celebrations in Brussels. Two men were arrested earlier in the week.

The Mayor of Brussels has cancelled celebrations in the city.

French authorities say more than 100,000 police have been deployed across the country amid security concerns.

In the UK, more than 3,000 police will be deployed in central London. "Our plans are purely precautionary and not as a result of any specific intelligence," said a spokesperson for the Met.