Oktoberfest tightens security after deadly knife attack in western Germany

Security has tightened at Germany's legendary Oktoberfest as the country deals with the aftermath of last month's deadly knife attack in Solingen in western Germany.

Ahead of the event, which is expected to attract some six million visitors, officials warned attendees to expect longer lines at entry points as metal detectors will be deployed for the first time in the Bavarian beer festival's 189-year history.

Authorities say there are no specific threats to the world's largest folk festival, which begins this Saturday and runs for 16 days.

The stepped-up security comes after an attack in the city of Solingen on 23 August that left three dead and eight wounded.

A 26-year-old Syrian suspect has been charged with carrying out the assault; he was an asylum seeker who reportedly absconded after his application was denied and before he could be deported to Bulgaria.

The so-called Islamic State group (IS) has claimed responsibility for his rampage, albeit without providing evidence.

The violence has left Germany shaken and pushed immigration back to the top of the country's political agenda. In response, the interior ministry extended temporary border controls to all nine of its frontiers this week. The closures are set to last six months and are threatening to test European unity.

The effects of the Solingen attack and other recent violence across Germany will also be felt at Oktoberfest. Hand-held metal detectors will be used at the festival for the first time, with police and security staff using them on a random basis or following suspicious activity. Festival-goers will be prohibited from bringing in knives, glass bottles and backpacks.

In addition to some 600 police officers and 2,000 security staff, more than 50 cameras will be