Authorities in Paris cancelled New Year’s Eve celebrations on Thursday night amid fears of further terror attacks, copying Brussels example after they also cancelled NYE festivities. Traditional fireworks displays normally seen in the French capital were scrapped in favour of a five-minute video performance of the Arc de Triomphe in the countdown to midnight, playing on screens along the Champs Elysees, surrounded by heightened security. Sky News reports: About 11,000 soldiers, police and emergency workers are being deployed on the streets – 2,000 more than last year – seven weeks after 130 people were murdered in multiple attacks. Around 600,000 people usually attend the annual events around the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysees. Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo emphasised that, although the fireworks had been cancelled, the festivities will go on. “We have decided to mark the New Year in an atmosphere of sobriety and togetherness,” she said. “Tourists and residents alike will, as usual, be able to meet on what we know as the most beautiful avenue in the world, but this year, sobriety is here. “There won’t be a big show.” The French government said tens of thousands more troops will be on duty around the [...]