A national centre set up to help people who fear their children and friends are becoming radicalised is now dealing with multiple inquiries a week, broadcaster NOS reported on Saturday.

The National Support Center for Extremism used to deal with just a handful of inquiries a month, mostly focused on radical Islam, but most calls for help now centre on conspiracy theories and far right groups.

‘Everyone can see the current savageness online,’ director Saskia Tempelman said. ‘We see the people behind it.’

Coronavirus is likely to be behind the rise in inquiries, because more people are feeling worried or anxious, she said.

‘That feeds extremism. For example, some people are afraid that the state will no longer be in charge and chaos will break out. They start preparing themselves and their children on surviving if things go wrong.’

The centre is part of the Fier healthcare group and is supported by various government ministries.