The explosion at the Japanese nuclear power plant has given new fuel to a long-running dispute in Germany, where tens of thousands demonstrated on Saturday against plans to extend the life of the country’s nuclear power stations.

According to the police, some 50 000 people took part in the protest which saw a human chain spread from a nuclear power plant in Neckarwestheim to the city of Stuttgart.

Those participating in the demonstration said it was time for the German government to move away from nuclear power.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whose government has extended the lifespan of Germany’s nuclear power plants, was set to meet senior cabinet ministers later on Saturday in light of fears of a meltdown in Japan.