Commotion and lockdown

Backpack triggers large-scale operation at St. Stephen’s Cathedral

On Tuesday evening, the Vienna police were deployed to St. Stephen's Cathedral.

(Bild: Gerald Hofbauer, Krone KREATIV)

Late on Tuesday evening, an abandoned rucksack triggered a large-scale operation around St. Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna. An attentive passer-by called the emergency services after noticing the abandoned piece of luggage.

The Vienna police confirmed the operation to the "Krone". However, they were able to give the all-clear a short time later.

Officers had previously surrounded the area and cordoned it off with tape. Passers-by were not allowed to go behind the cordon. Service dogs were also deployed.

The police cordoned off the area with tape.

(Bild: Gerald Hofbauer, Krone KREATIV)

A short time later, the all-clear was given.

(Bild: Gerald Hofbauer)

An attentive passer-by had called the emergency number - probably sensitized by recent bomb threats and attacks.