Public has been denied access to Germany's Parliament building -- the Reichstag -- following a weekend report that Islamist militants are planning to attack the key building in capital Berlin.
The Reichstag's press office said on Monday that the panoramic viewing area, consisting of glass dome and roof terrace, has been closed to the public until further notice.
However, pre-arranged groups can continue to visit the popular tourist destination that attracts up to 10,000 people a day.
Additional barricades have been raised and a battalion of 60 police officers have been deployed outside the building where the Bundestag, or Lower House of Parliament, is functioning.
In a weekend report, Germany's 'Der Spiegel' news magazine warned that it has received information regarding a plot by al-Qaeda-linked militants to take hostages by attacking the building in February or March.
However, German security officials played down the reports saying that they were not aware of any terrorist plots targeting specific buildings.
Last week, Germany strengthened security measures at airports, railway terminals and other heavily frequented sites after it emerged that terrorist outfits would target the the country in late November.
Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said the country would remain under high security alert until the year-end.
For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com