Police have arrested a 26 year-old Moroccan man in Amsterdam on suspicion of preparing terrorist attacks against policemen, the public prosecution department said in a statement.

The man was arrested on Wedneday as the result of a tip off from the Dutch security service AIVD.

He was staying in the Netherlands illegally and was living with relatives. Sim cards, usb sticks, a notebook, a mobile phone and a tablet computer were confiscated during a search of the house.

Although no weapons or concrete plans were found at the house, the man will stay in custody for the next two weeks so the allegations against him can be investigated further, the public prosecutor said.