Germany’s friendly against the Netherlands was called off at late notice on Tuesday amid fears it would be targeted by terrorists.

The match in Hannover was due to begin at 23:45 but a security alert saw police step in at around 22:00 to prevent it taking place.

The German football federation (DFB) announced in a short Twitter statement: “The team are in a safe place. The match will not go ahead.”

Germany were caught up in the attacks in Paris on Friday, with explosions heard outside the Stade de France during their friendly against France as suicide bombers detonated devices.

The Minister of the Interior for the state of Lower Saxony, Boris Pistorius, said the decision to call off the game was not taken lightly.

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Over 40,000 supporters were expected, but Pistorius said no risks could be taken in view of the events in Paris, and faced with a specific threat of an explosive attack.

“It is very regrettable that this game had to be called off,” Pistorius said. “We all wanted to send out a signal, which makes this decision so bitter.

"After the indications we received, we knew we could not stage this game. There was no way for us to misinterpret the signs.

“We will have greater police ranks out all night to show that we are there and that we are ensuring and can ensure people’s safety.”

Belgium’s friendly against Spain, which was also due to be played on Tuesday, was cancelled on Monday night due to an increased terrorism threat.