Two women arrested at the weekend as part of an investigation into mooted sarin nerve gas sales, had their detention order quashed by judges in Maastricht on Monday.

This means they could be freed by Friday, RTL news reported, although the public prosecution department is considering an appeal.

The women, aged 33 and 52, were picked up with two men aged 21 and 35 after police were tipped off about someone claiming to be in possession of the gas.

Although searches have failed to find any traces of sarin, the public prosecution department told Tuesday’s hearing there are ‘strong indications’ that the suspects do possess sarin.