At least one person died and seven people were injured when a man opened fire at a tram in the Dutch city of Utrecht on Monday. The Utrecht city police suspect possible terrorist motive behind the incident.
According to the police, the shooting took place at 10.45 am (local time) at 24 Oktoberplein. The gunmen fled after firing and the Utrecht police have initiated a manhunt. The exact reason for the shooting is yet to be ascertained. The police have instructed the people not to approach the shooting site.
According to the Dutch counter-terrorism agency, shooting is underway at "several" locations in the city. The police have urged eyewitnesses to share images of Utrecht shooting as to identify the gunman.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that the Netherlands government is holding crisis talks after the shooting incident in Utrecht, reported to Reuters. The Dutch government has raised the terrorism threat level to the highest possible in the province of Utrecht.
The Municipality of Utrecht has arranged a telephone line for public questions about the situation at 24 Oktoberplein. Security services have reportedly told Utrecht's University Medical Centre to open the dedicated emergency ward to help care for the injured, reported BBC.
In the wake of the tram shooting in Utrecht, Security has been increased at all major public gatherings, including schools, mosques and transportation hubs. Dutch paramilitary forces have been assembled across airports and other public infrastructure.
(This is a developing story, awaiting further updates)
