German police say device found on train near Cologne not explosive

Bild newspaper had reported earlier that the device was a home-made bomb capable of causing serious injuries.

German police guard the Reichstag building, the seat of the German lower house of parliament Bundestag, before the German presidential election in Berlin, February 12, 2017 (photo credit: REUTERS)
German police guard the Reichstag building, the seat of the German lower house of parliament Bundestag, before the German presidential election in Berlin, February 12, 2017
(photo credit: REUTERS)
BERLIN, Oct 3 (Reuters) - Police in Germany said on Saturday a suspicious device found on a regional train overnight near the western city of Cologne was not explosive and did not pose a threat.
A statement said bomb specialists investigated the object, which contained nails and black powder, after it was discovered by a cleaner in a cardboard box hidden in one of the train's compartments.
Bild newspaper had reported earlier that the device was a home-made bomb capable of causing serious injuries.
Federal police sniffer dogs confirmed the location and special forces x-rayed the box, it reported.
The newspaper cited investigators as saying it was still unclear whether it was a failed terrorist attack or an attempted blackmail threat.
Germany celebrated the 30th anniversary of its reunification on Saturday.