THE HAGUE: A suspect involved in a fatal knife attack in the port city of Rotterdam is being suspected of murder with a terror motive, Dutch prosecutors said on Friday.

Witnesses said the 22-year-old man attacked bystanders late on Thursday with “large knives” near the city’s iconic Erasmus bridge, a popular spot for fitness training classes close to a cafe and bar area.

A 32-year-old man from Rotterdam was fatally wounded. A 33-year-old Swiss national suffered injuries and was admitted to hospital.

“The public prosecution service currently suspects the 22-year-old man of murder and attempted murder with a terrorist motive,” prosecutors said.

“The investigation conducted so far indicated that the suspect may be ideologically driven,” they added in a statement.

“For example, the suspect shouted Allahu Akbar several times while committing the acts,” the statement said.

The suspect was arrested after the attack. Police said he was seriously injured and had been taken to hospital.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2024