German suspect 'behind Hanover bomb plot'
The leader of a five-person group believed to be behind the bomb threat against the Germany-Netherlands friendly in Hanover on Tuesday is a German citizen, local media reported on Friday.
French security sources told the Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung (HAZ) that the group had planned five bomb attacks, including three at the stadium and two at a bus stop and a train station in the city centre.
Bombs were supposed to be smuggled into the stadium in an official vehicle or by someone with a ticket to the game.
The train station attack was supposed to be carried out seven hours later by a female member of the group, the paper reported.
Intelligence about the group reached German authorities just two hours before kick-off.
Half an hour later, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere decided to cancel the game – although he himself has so far been cagey about his reasons for doing so.
He has faced widespread online mockery for his choice of words - "part of the answer would only unsettle the public" - in explaining the cancellation.
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French security sources told the Hannoversche Allgemeine Zeitung (HAZ) that the group had planned five bomb attacks, including three at the stadium and two at a bus stop and a train station in the city centre.
Bombs were supposed to be smuggled into the stadium in an official vehicle or by someone with a ticket to the game.
The train station attack was supposed to be carried out seven hours later by a female member of the group, the paper reported.
Intelligence about the group reached German authorities just two hours before kick-off.
Half an hour later, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere decided to cancel the game – although he himself has so far been cagey about his reasons for doing so.
He has faced widespread online mockery for his choice of words - "part of the answer would only unsettle the public" - in explaining the cancellation.
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