Tram attack: Note suggests terror link

SUSPECT HAS CRIMINAL RECORD

DUTCH prosecutors are taking seriously the possibility that the deadly shooting on a tram in the central city of Utrecht was an act of terror.

The nature of the attack and a note found in a suspected getaway car suggest a possible terror motive, prosecutors said, but they add that other possible motives also are being investigated.

They did not elaborate on what was written in the note.

The statement said investigations have not established any relationship between the main suspect, Gokmen Tanis, and the victims.

Prosecutors confirmed the deaths of three people: a 19-yearold woman from the neighbouring town of Vianen and two men aged 28 and 49, both from Utrecht.

Three others were seriously wounded and four suffered light injuries, according to prosecutors.

Tanis, a 37-year-old of Turkish descent, is being held on suspicion of “manslaughter with terrorist intent”, although authorities have not ruled out other motives.

He was arrested after an hourslong manhunt that nearly paralysed the Netherlands’ fourthlargest city and sent shockwaves through the nation.

Prosecutors said officers recovered a weapon during the arrest.

Officials said Tanis has a long criminal record in the Netherlands involving a variety of offences, although none were terror-related.