Police have raided the home of former Germany defender Christoph Metzelder over suspicions that he has spread child pornography, according to reports in his native country.

Prosecutors in Hamburg have confirmed that there is an ongoing investigation into a 38-year-old German, as reported initially by newspaper Bild.

Metzelder was taking part in a coaching course at the famous Hennef sports school in the Rhine.

Police raided the home of former Germany and Real Madrid defender Christoph Metzelder

Investigators confiscated his mobile phone and accompanied him back to his house in Dusseldorf before searching the property.

At least one computer was taken and it is still being searched by police. Metzelder himself was not arrested.

A spokesperson for Hamburg's prosecutors said 'a 38-year-old German' was suspected of spreading child pornography, which included 'digital image recordings'.

Metzelder, a former international, pictured during a game for Spanish giants Real Madrid

Bild reported that the raid came after information was provided to police by a woman from Hamburg who Metzelder allegedly had a relationship with.

She showed 15 images of child pornography to the police that had been sent to her through messaging software WhatsApp.

Metzelder featured for his country, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund during his playing career.