The suspect was visiting and is Ukrainian

The man who injured five people at a knife attack in Amsterdam is one after the police Ukrainer. He was 30 years old and came from the east of Ukraine, the police said in the Dutch capital. But what his motive is for the deed is still unclear. The man is to be brought before the judge on Tuesday.

Knife attack in Amsterdam: Major perpetrator is Ukrainian

The police had initially not been able to determine the identity of the man because he had different documents with different names. On Thursday, a man had apparently attacked five people with several knives in the busy center of the Dutch capital and injured the people, two of them seriously. According to the police, their condition is now stable.

The victims are a 19-year-old from Amsterdam, a 73-year-old woman from Belgium, a 26-year-old man out Poland as well as two Americans, a 67-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man.

Knife attack in the city center of Amsterdam – perpetrator stands up on passers -by

The attack had happened near the central Dam-Square at around 3:30 p.m., not far from the royal palace. Eyewitnesses described that the alleged perpetrator apparently stabbed passers -by.

One of the witnesses reported to the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf: « Suddenly I heard an icy cry, then panic broke out. » A passerby was able to overwhelm the attacker before being able to harm other people. The man had booked a room in a nearby hotel during the act during the act.

Motif for action in Amsterdam: Police investigated with the highest priority

According to the investigators, the alleged perpetrator was overwhelmed by a British tourist and then arrested by the police. He was injured on the leg. The suspect was taken to a hospital and after the treatment. The police locked the place far, and one Rescue helicopter landed to take care of the injured. According to the news agency AFP the barrier was lifted again after about two hours.

« The police investigations are in full swing and are currently top priority. We hope to get clarity about the background of this terrible knife attack, » said Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema. « Our deep sympathy applies to victims, their families and relatives. »

Amsterdam: Several injuries after attack – witness describes shock moment

According to testimonies, the alleged perpetrator is a younger man with short blonde hair. However, videos on social networks indicate dark or black hair.

A radio reporter spoke to an eyewitness who described a particularly shocking moment: the attacker stabbed a young woman with her bike on a street. « The knife was still in her back, » said the witness in the Dutch radio. Then the man ran away quickly.

Motif of the attack by Amsterdam still unclear

Several ambulances were in the too Popular city popular with tourists On site to take care of the injured. Whether it was a targeted or spontaneous attack is the subject of ongoing police.

With the help of testimony and video recordings from the area, further findings should be collected. (with dpa)