Belgium has temporarily shut down one of its nuclear power plants due to possible cracks, reports claim.

Nuclear watchdog AFCN said the plant would be closed until the end of August at least due to “several abnormalities” pointed out by the nation’s atomic energy regulator. A preliminary analysis claims the steel tank has been damaged by radiation which created fractures inside it.

AFCN said the suspected cracks at the 1,006MW Doel 3 reactor, which provides a sixth of Belgium’s nuclear generated power, do not pose any health and safety threats.

Karina De Beule from AFCN told journalists: “We are talking with all regulators as we would in any emergency situation … it is essential to co-ordinate efforts. At present we can guarantee that there are no risks to workers, citizens and the environment.”

The Doel 3 reactor is scheduled to close in 10 years according to plans announced by the Belgium Government last month.