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 infrastructure operator has said.

ProRail warned that passengers in the country's centre and north should expect cancellations and delays on Tuesday, while the closure of some level crossings could cause disruption to roads.

Pipes and cables were placed on 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. Police said a criminal investigation had been launched.

"Objects were found on railway tracks at several locations across the country, causing major disruption to rail traffic," Dutch police said in a statement.

Routes to the main international airport, Schiphol, Eindhoven and Utrecht were among those affected on Tuesday, with the network saying that 30 disruptions had been reported across the country.

Train operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen said services around Zwolle, Deventer, and Amersfoot had been disrupted.

It added that the disruption was so extensive it was "not possible" to provide a bus replacement service.