The nine men arrested in Eindhoven last week on terrorism charges were planning an attack on prime minister Mark Rutte, and far right party leaders Geert Wilders and Thierry Baudet, the Telegraaf said on Saturday.

The nine were arrested on suspicion of preparing and training to carry out terrorist attack although no weapons or explosives were found during searches of their homes.

However, sources involved in the investigation have told the Telegraaf that the threats had led to ‘extra security’ measures being put in place, even though it is unclear at what stage the attack plans were.

Lawyers for the men told the paper that their clients were merely expressing thoughts and had no serious intention of causing anyone harm. ‘It was more a question of sarcasm and unsound humour,’ lawyer Peter Plasman said, adding that no evidence had been found that they had any affinity with jihadi groups.

Rutte’s security was stepped up last week following reports that he may be the target of an attack by a drugs gang. The Telegraaf said the two threats are unrelated.