Dutch police closed tunnels and set up roadblocks in Amsterdam and Rotterdam today after a warning that cars with explosives would blow up inside them.
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A military policeman in an armoured personnel carrier blocks one of the two entrances to the Beneluxtunnel near Rotterdam.
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Amsterdam's Coentunnel and Zeeburgertunnel were briefly shut and Rotterdam's Beneluxtunnel and Botlektunnel were partially closed off. Traffic slowed to a trickle as armed police made spot checks.
Dutch news agency ANP received an anonymous letter yesterday warning of attacks this morning.
The letter said three stolen cars loaded with a mixture of sulphur, nitrate and oil would drive into tunnels in the country's two biggest cities, and would explode at about 6 a.m. GMT (7 a.m. Irish time).
"The intention is to cause as many victims as possible because it is hoped that the tunnels will collapse," said a copy of the letter. "I back the armed struggle against the pernicious West but in this case there would be so many victims that I feel I must warn you," it said.
Officials said there was no immediate evidence linking the threat to militant Islamic groups. They said no arrests had been made.
Airspace above part of Amsterdam was also closed for more than three hours from 7.30 a.m. (6.30 a.m. Irish time), causing air traffic delays, officials said.
AFP