Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna cancelled due to terror plot

Austrian authorities said they had arrested a 19-year-old man for allegedly planning an Islamist attack in the Vienna region and suggested that Swift’s shows had been the “focus” of the plot.

The man, who had pledged his allegiance to the Islamic State (IS) group “in recent weeks”, was detained in Lower Austria about an hour from the capital early on Wednesday, Austria’s top security chief, Franz Ruf, told a press conference.

“We have established corresponding preparatory acts and also that there is a focus of the 19-year-old perpetrator on the Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna,” Ruf said.

The man, an Austrian citizen, is believed to have become radicalised on the internet. Ruf said chemical substances had been seized at the suspect’s home and were being evaluated.

A second person believed to have been in contact with the suspect was arrested in Vienna.

It comes a week after three children died and eight others suffered injuries following a stabbing at a Swift-themed dance class in Southport, England.

Following the attack, the singer wrote on Instagram that she was "completely in shock.” 

“The loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone who was there, the families, and first responders,” she added. “These were just little kids at a dance class.”

“I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families,” she said.

Swift had been scheduled to play at the Austrian capital’s Ernst Happel Stadium on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Barracuda Music said in an Instagram post late on Wednesday: “We have no choice but to cancel the three scheduled shows for everyone’s safety.” 

About 65,000 spectators had been expected for each show, with many Irish fans who missed out on tickets in Dublin also expected to travel for the event. 

Barracuda Music said all tickets will be automatically refunded within the next 10 business days.

Swift is yet to comment on the shows' cancellation.