Security eased at Amsterdam airport after threat

AMSTERDAM, Feb 14 (Reuters) Dutch authorities briefly tightened security today around Amsterdam's Schiphol airport, the fourth biggest European hub, after a threatening letter was sent there, but the measures were later lifted.

''We found a reason to take extra precautions at Schiphol airport,'' said a spokeswoman for the National Coordinator for Counter-terrorism, adding the letter contained a ''terrorism'' threat.

A spokeswoman said later the measures had been lifted after police had conducted searches at the airport, but declined to give further details.

Dutch news agency ANP said police had conducted checks on cars and people near one of the airport's departure lounges and in car parks.

Last August, a US Northwest Airlines plane bound for India was turned back to Schiphol after flight crew became suspicious of the behaviour of about a dozen passengers. It turned out to be a false alarm and the passengers were later released.

Reuters KR RN2303