Fireworks exploded near the London Eye at midnight as revellers celebrated the arrival of 2016 alongside the River Thames.

The world is welcoming 2016 with large fireworks displays in major cities from Sydney to Hong Kong and from Paris to New York.

Many Europeans are out to party, but under a much tighter security presence than usual.

About 3,000 police were on duty across central London, with an increased number of armed officers in and around major tube stations.