World welcomes New Year despite terror fears

Belgian police arrest six people suspected of planning attacks at Brussels landmarks

Global New Year's Eve festivities were held across the globe under tightened security, with Brussels scrapping celebrations as fears of jihadist threats cast a pall, just weeks after brutal attacks in Paris.

Australia's biggest city, Sydney, traditionally the first to host a major event to ring in the New Year, held its 9pm (1000 GMT) family fireworks, with pyrotechnics exploding over the harbor ahead of the main show at midnight.