No reports of heightened terror threat in Poland: minister

After calling a meeting of an inter-ministry anti-terrorism group, Błaszczak said the Polish authorities are prepared for World Youth Day later this month, when around 1.5 million pilgrims are expected to flock to Poland.

Błaszczak told reporters: "I have received reports filed by the heads of the various services [and] the services do not report an increased risk. They have not reported that there are risks in Poland.”

Błaszczak added: “We are in solidarity with our partners in Western Europe. We will not be intimidated."

An attacker at the wheel of a lorry ploughed into a crowd enjoying Bastille Day fireworks in Nice on Thursday, killing at least 84 people on France's national holiday. President Francois Hollande said the attack was of "an undeniable terrorist nature".

Poland has stepped up security as it prepares to host the Roman Catholic Church’s World Youth Days between 26 and 31 July, an event which will be attended by Pope Francis.

Earlier on Friday, Polish Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said he had sent his condolences to the French ambassador in Poland.

He added: "If in a country as experienced in the fight against terrorism as France, which has such extensive and experienced security services, there are systematic attacks, you can say that nobody in the world is safe at the moment." (pk)

Source: PAP