On Monday morning, March 18, according to witnesses, one or multiple perpetrators opened fire in a tram on 24 Oktoberplein in Utrecht. The police force has been mobilised, however, the offender / offenders have escaped.
According to the police, several people have been injured. The exact number of people hurt during the incident is not yet clear, but there are at least three fatalities and five people injured, a few of which are in critical condition. Victims are being urgently taken to hospital.
An anti-terrorist unit has been sent to the location along with trauma and police helicopters. The police have cordoned off the area and tram transport has been immobilised. Schools in Utrecht have been told to keep their doors shut. The university has closed all of its building and no more buses will run in Utrecht.
A spokesperson for the police has confirmed that the offender / offenders have escaped. The police are considering a terrorist motive behind the attacks.
According to the Dutch National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV), the attack has all the characteristics of a terrorist attack. The threat level in the province of Utrecht has been increased to five- the highest level possible.
March 19: The lead suspect is in custody. His motive is not yet known. Two other suspects are also being held in custody. The NCTV has changed the threat level back to four.