Cologne to build fence around Cathedral for NYE over fear of more migrant sex attacks

And they are setting up controls to police the access to the festivities in a massive operation that is designed to expose any groups threatening to molest women.

Last year's New Year's Eve celebrations were marred after hundreds of sexual assaults were reported in Germany, mainly in Cologne city centre.

The assaults were not reported to the media by police at first and only emerged when victims took to social media to express their anger. 

Thousands of migrant men are believed to have been involved in the shocking mass harassment, robbing and molestation of women.

According to local reports the Cologne Cathedral is to be protected by fences during the upcoming New Year's Eve festivities. 

An 80 metre radius will be set up in order to offer a level of protection for women according to Mayor Henriette Reker.

Police are also planning ahead of time a large scale event and a massive emergency services operation is underway already, said police commissioner Juergen Mathies. 

Mr Mathies said: "The citizens and the people who come to Cologne this year at New Year's Eve should feel safe. Such images as last year will not be repeated. Details regarding the security policy will be announced later."

Around 1,200 reports were made, of which 500 were for sexual offences. 

The Cologne prosecutors estimate the number of all defendants to be at more than 200. 

Most come from Algeria and Morocco.

Cologne Provost Gerd Bachner added: "I am happy and grateful that the city tackles the subject of New Year's and protection zones around the cathedral, because it's urgently needed. 

"We can not allow that people who come to Cologne are scared."

According to reports, the New Year's regulatory office and the police want to continue to provide enhanced presence to prevent "undesirable behaviour" and to make the area around the Cathedral safer and more attractive. 

This would include solutions "to improve public order," Mr Mathies added.