Suspicious package found in front of Haarlem city hall

The police temporarily cordoned off the Grote Markt in Haarlem on Thursday morning after a suspicious package was found in front of the city hall. Investigation revealed that it was just an empty suitcase, ANP reports.

The suitcase was found on the landing of the city hall, which is located on Grote Markt, early in the morning. Defense's explosive disposal service investigated the suitcase and determined that it contained nothing dangerous. The square was released again at around 8:30 a.m.

The police call on witnesses who saw the suitcase being left there to come forward.

Haarlem mayor Jos Wienen has been under extra security since September last year, due to serious threats made against him. In October he went into hiding and lived in an undisclosed location. Heavily armed police officers guard the city hall when the mayor is present, among other things. It is not clear from where the threats are coming.

The police are investigating whether the suitcase being left at the city hall is related to the threats.