The Public Prosecutions Department (OM) says animal rights activist Peter Janssen has been arrested on suspicion of planning an attack on Queen Beatrix. NOS public service broadcaster reports that the OM has released no information about the possible motives behind such an attack.

Top Dutch lawyer Gerard Spong, who is representing Mr Janssen, says the police received a tip-off that his client had a gun and was planning to shoot the queen. The OM has only confirmed that a detailed witness statement led to an investigation.

Computers were confiscated during police raids on various properties on Monday, but the OM says no weapon was found. Mr Spong dismisses the charges as rubbish and thinks it likely the tip-off was false and designed simply to get his client into trouble.

Peter Janssen was dubbed the 'Vegan Streaker' a year ago after he disrupted a popular live Saturday night television show clad only in his underpants in a bid to publicise animal rights. He was arrested for releasing 2500 mink from a farm in April but was later released in order to take care of his sick mother.

photo: Vegan Streaker at a 2008 hockey match (ANP)