Three dead after shootings in Rotterdam

Three people have died after a gunman opened fire in two incidents in the Dutch city of Rotterdam.

Officers confirmed people have been killed in two shootings. They said the suspect shot dead a 39-year-old woman in her house in the west of the city, and seriously injured her 14-year-old daughter, before setting the house on fire. The 14-year-old girl has since sadly passed away.

The second incident took place in a classroom of the Erasmus Medical Center, in the city centre, where a 46-year-old teacher was shot dead.

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A 32-year-old man has been arrested, police said. He has been described as being in his mid-20s, tall, with black hair, and wearing a backpack with headphones. His motive is unclear.

The suspect is said to have fled the scene on a motorbike in combat clothing. Police said he used a handgun for the attacks. Fires broke out at both locations following the attacks.

"We have been shocked by a horrible incident. Shots were fired in two different places in the city. Many people witnessed it," Rotterdam Mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb said.

Rotterdam's chief prosecutor, Hugo Hillenaar, also said the 32-year-old suspect was known to law enforcement and in 2021 was prosecuted and convicted for animal abuse.