Five people have been stabbed near Amsterdam’s central Dam Square, Dutch police have said.
The attack took place shortly before 3.30pm on Thursday, near Sint Nicolaasstraat in the city centre, with emergency services receiving several reports of a stabbing.
The injured were found at “various locations” and included two American nationals, a 67-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man, a 26-year-old man from Poland, a 73-year-old woman from Belgium and a 19-year-old woman from Amsterdam.
A suspect was overpowered and apprehended in the Gravenstraat area shortly after the incident by a member of the public.
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The suspect was said to have sustained an injury to his leg, and was taken to hospital.
As of late Thursday, the motive behind the attack was unclear and remained under investigation.
Police said it was considering the possibility that it was a random attack.
The area was cordoned off and several ambulances were called to the scene.
A trauma helicopter landed on the square but later departed.
Image: Pic: Hollandse Hoogte/Shutterstock
Mayor Femke Halsema issued a statement on behalf of the police and prosecuting authorities.
It read: “The police investigation is in full swing and is currently the highest priority.
“We hope to gain clarity soon about the background of this horrific stabbing incident.
“Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and loved ones.”
Authorities also appealed to the public for any footage that may have been taken of the stabbing.
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Local media reported that a city council meeting involving Ms Halsema was interrupted because of the stabbing.
