BOTH suspects in a foiled plot to attack Taylor Swift shows in Vienna appeared to be inspired by Islamic State (Isis) and al-Qaida, Austrian authorities said today.

Officials said that one of them had confessed to planning to “kill as many people as possible” outside the concert venue in the Austrian capital either today or Friday.

Concert organisers stood by their decision to cancel the three sold-out shows the day before, saying they had expected up to 65,000 fans at each concert and as many as 30,000 onlookers outside.

Officials said that the main suspect, a 19-year-old Austrian, had begun working on his plans in July.

He planned to use knives or home-made explosives “to carry out an attack in the area outside the stadium,” said Directorate of State Security and Intelligence head Omar Haijawi-Pirchner, citing the 19-year-old’s confession.

During a raid on the main suspect’s home in Ternitz, south of Vienna, investigators found chemical substances and technical devices, said Franz Ruf, director-general of public security at the Interior Ministry.

Authorities also found Isis and al-Qaida material at the home of the second suspect, a 17-year-old Austrian. He was employed a few days ago by a company providing services at the stadium.

Both teenagers were arrested on Tuesday. Neither’s name has been released.