Dutch police and prosecutor seriously consider terrorist motive of Utrecht tram shooter

THE HAGUE, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The suspect of the tram shooting in the Dutch city of Utrecht and his victims had no relation. Police and the prosecutor stated on Tuesda that they are therefore "seriously considering a terrorist motive".

According to a joint statement by the police and prosecutor, investigations so far showed no relation between the shooter and his victims, and a note found in a seized car is one of the other reasons to think of a terrorist motive. However, other motives are not excluded. The investigation is still ongoing.

Three people died in the shooting on a tram in Utrecht on Monday morning and seven were injured. Later, the police arrested the main suspect and another person for his involvement.

On Monday night, Dutch police have arrested a third suspect. "We are investigating the role of this third person," said the police.

All three suspects are in custody and are being heard by the police.

The 37-year-old main suspect Gökmen Tanis is suspected of the shooting in the tram on Monday around 10.45 am. local time at the 24 Oktoberplein in Utrecht. Upon his arrest the police found a weapon.

The shooting cost the lives of three people, a 19-year-old woman from Vianen, a 28-year-old man from Utrecht and a 49-year-old man from Utrecht. Three others were seriously injured and as far as the police know, four other people suffered minor injuries while trying to escape.