Austrian authorities said on Wednesday, August 7, that they have arrested a 19-year-old man for allegedly planning an Islamist attack in the Vienna region, in connection with concerts by US star Taylor Swift later this week.

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. He said that chemical substances had been seized at the suspect's home.

A second person believed to have been in contact with the suspect was arrested in Vienna. According to initial investigation findings, both suspects radicalized on the internet.

Police measures will be stepped up in the Vienna region in the coming days, particularly at the entrances to the concerts of Taylor Swift who is performing in Vienna on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. About 65,000 spectators are expected for each show.

Vienna police chief Gerhard Puerstl said the concrete danger had meanwhile been minimized, but since there was still an "abstract danger," necessary measures will be taken, with special units being deployed for the concerts.

Ruf said that there would be a special focus on entry checks, among other things, and concertgoers should plan a bit more time.