Germany v Netherlands match evacuated after fears of Islamic extremist bomb attack
THE Germany v Netherlands match has been evacuated after fears a bomb attack would be carried out by Islamic extremists.
Police search for a bomb in Hannover stadium
The match at the stadium in Hannover was cancelled after what was believed to be a 'concrete' terror threat emerged days after the Paris attacks which left 129 people dead.
Local media reported that an ambulance full of explosives was discovered just before the kick-off to the match German Chancellor Angela Merkel was due to attend.
However, after an evacuation of the stadium and an extensive search of it officials said no explosives were found.
Local interior minister Boris Pistorius said: “It can not yet be confirmed that there was an ambulance or another vehicle with explosives inside.”
There was a device intended to be detonated inside the stadium
German newspaper Kreiszeitung claimed that authorities did not want to comment further because they wanted to avoid causing panic and did not want to jeopardise their investigation.
When questioned about whether the terror threat was credible, German Minister of Interior Thomas de Meizere said: “Some of these answers would unsettle the population.”
However a German official said no explosives were found and no arrests have been made.
The city's main train station was evacuated after a suspicious package was reportedly found and another stadium where a concert was due to be held was also evacuated.
German news agency dpa cited unnamed security officials in Berlin that said a foreign intelligence agency had warned Germany of a possible attack by Islamic extremists.
Mr de Meizere told reporters he would not name the source of the information that led to the match in Hannover being called off shortly before it was to take place.
Hannover stadium was evacuated after the 'concrete' terror threat
The German national football team, who are the current reigning World Cup champions, were taken to a "safe place" by police after the terror threat at Hannover stadium.
It is the second terror threat they have faced in a matter of days after the Paris terror attacks on Friday night.
Spectators hold candles after the Germany Netherlands fixture was cancelled
One of the co-ordinated attacks saw a suicide bomber blow himself up just outside the Stade de France stadium as France played Germany.
Midway through the match a loud blast could be heard and people in the stands poured onto the pitch.
Fans outside the Hannover stadium after it was evacuated
French President Francois Hollande was in attendance and had to be rushed off to safety.
Other attacks took place at the Bataclan concert venue, where 89 people died, and at cafes and restaurants in the French capital.
Islamic State (ISIS) have claimed responsibility for the terror attacks in Paris.
In the aftermath Mr Hollande said France was at war with ISIS and he is now working with Vladimir Putin to destroy the jihadi group.