Terror attack in Utrecht?

The Netherlands: Utrecht Tram Shooting 

 

One person is feared dead and several people are injured following a suspected terror attack on a tram in the central Dutch city of Utrecht.
The shooting began at 10.45am local time (9.45am GMT) when a gunman opened fire on a tram at 24 Oktoberplein, a square in the west of the city.
Police and three air ambulances swooped on the area, which was cordoned off following the shooting on Monday.
Local media reports that the gunman fled the scene by car. Heavily-armed police were later reported to have opened fire on a house near to the square.
Authorities have urged people to stay away from the scene and schools to keep their doors closed.

The Dutch government raised the terrorism threat level to the highest possible in Utrecht after the attack.

The National Anti-Terrorism Coordinator said it had raised alert level as the suspected shooter was still at large.
Security was increased at schools, mosques and transportation hubs after the shooting.
A police spokesman told Reuters: "Several shots were fired in a tram and several people were injured.

 

It is unclear how many people have been injured or the severity of their injuries.Dutch newspaper AD reported that a woman was shot and two people resuscitated on the street.
Another victim was resuscitated in the tram, according to the newspaper.
There were conflicting reports as to whether there was a lone gunman in the attack.
Prime Minister Mark Rutte said he was "deeply concerned" and that crisis talks were to be held in response to the incident.

Several people were injured in the incident (AP)

Dutch radio said security had been increased at the seat of the government in The Hague.RTV Utrecht quoted an eyewitness as saying he had seen a woman lying on the ground amid some kind of confrontation.
Several men ran away from the scene, the witness said.

Emergency services swooped on the area (EPA)

Another witness told broadcaster NOS that he saw an injured woman with blood on her hands and clothes.He said: "I brought her into my car and helped her. When the police arrived she was unconscious."
Pictures shared on social media showed the tram surrounded by emergency services as the area was on lock down.
Utrecht's transport authority said tram services across the city have been cancelled following the incident.
Utrecht Police earlier appealed to the public to stay away to allow first responders to do their work.
The force tweeted: "Let social workers in the area 24 Oktoberplein in Utrecht do their work, keep the roads clear for them."
This page is being updated.

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