The Hannover stadium in Germany was evacuated this evening after a security threat resulted in the Germany vs Netherlands game being called off.
Hannover City Police president, Volker Kluwe, confirmed that a “concrete security threat” had developed in the hours leading up to kick-off of the match which several German cabinet ministers and Chancellor Angela Merkel were exptected to attend.
Speaking at a press conference, he added: “We just asked the specators to leave the stadium quickly but without panis… [there are] serious indications that a bomb attack was planned by Islamic assailants,”
A local news site, Kreiszeitung.de, reported that an ambulance filled with explosives was found close to the stadium, as well as the presence of a “trouble-maker” who is known to police.
A German police statement reads: “The game has been cancelled. Please go straight home but stay calm”.
Police spokeswoman Stephanie Weiss confirmed that a suspicious package, believed to be a suitcase was found in the stadium – although it has not yet been confirmed that this was the cause of the stadium evacuation and cancellation of the game.
Police announcement outside Hannover stadium: "Please immediately make your way home. There is no reason for you to stay here any longer."
— Anton Troianovski (@AntonWSJ) November 17, 2015
Hannover police chief on ARD: After gates opened, “we received a serious tip that an explosive attack was planned for the stadium.”
— Anton Troianovski (@AntonWSJ) November 17, 2015
