The German Interior Minister has said Italy’s access to the important Brenner Pass may be compromised in a warning to the country to refrain from sending migrants and refugees towards the north of Europe.

Thomas de Maiziere said Rome could not “simply guide people north” to Austria and Germany as it had done so in the past, and added: “Italy cannot depend on Brenner always staying open.”

He said Italy could face restrictions on traffic along Brenner - an important passage for goods travelling from the country to Austria and other nations in the north of Europe.

In preparation for the arrival of more migrants and refugees who have travelled from countries in north Africa such a Libya, across the Mediterranean to Italy, Austria has previously said tighter border controls may be needed at the crossing between the two countries. Some people then use Austria as a way of reaching Germany.

Depending on the number of people attempting to reach Austria, border control methods could include vehicle checks and barriers for crowd control.

On Sunday, the Brenner Pass was the scene of a clash between Austrian police and protestors demonstrating against the closure of the border. As the peaceful march neared an end, some protestors attempted to break through a line of police in riot gear.

But speaking about the possibility of tighter border controls to ORF television while in Austria on Tuesday, Mr de Maiziere said: “We hope that it will not have to be necessary to decide on such matters.”

“That is assuming that the number coming to Italy are not too high. That is assuming that Italy fulfils its obligations.”