Suspected sabotage causes major Netherlands rail disruption

Parts of the Netherlands, including Amsterdam, have been hit by major rail disruption after suspected sabotage to the tracks, the country's railway operator has said.

ProRail warned that passengers in the country's centre and north should expect cancellations and delays on Tuesday, while several level crossings were also malfunctioning.

Pipes were attached to the tracks in multiple locations, according to local media. In a statement, ProRail said the incident appeared to be "an intentional disruption... caused by human action".

It added that no suspects or motives had been identified, but the national police unit was investigating. The BBC has contacted police for comment.

The network's website showed that 15 disruptions had been recorded across the country on Tuesday, with routes to the main international airport, Schiphol, and Utrecht also affected.

ProRail said in a statement: "Materials were found at multiple locations in the track that were deliberately placed there. This causes section malfunctions. Sabotage appears to be involved".

Footage published by Dutch public broadcaster NOS on Tuesday showed police carrying what appeared to be metal pipes - about 1.5 metres (5ft) - away from railway tracks at Veenendaal in the central Netherlands.