German authorities mull whether to proceed with festival

German authorities are considering whether to let a popular rock festival go ahead after its opening night was curtailed amid concerns over a possible terrorist threat.

The top security official in western Rhineland- Palatinate, Roger Lewentz, planned a news conference at 11 am today after authorities shut down and cleared thousands of fans from the three-day Rock am Ring festival Friday night.

The site was calm overnight. Police said they were continuing a search of the grounds on Saturday morning.

Authorities didn't give details Friday night of what they called "concrete indications on the basis of which a possible terrorist threat can't be ruled out."
 

Following the recent attack in Manchester outside a concert, authorities had put a strong police presence in place.