Police in the Netherlands say terrorism is being “seriously considered” as a motive for yesterday’s shootings on a tram in Utrecht.

Three people were killed in the attack in the Octoberplein area of the city yesterday.

Three other were seriously injured while four are believed to have suffered slight injury.

After authorities launched a manhunt for the suspect yesterday, a 37-year-old man was arrested at a house in the city centre.

A firearm was uncovered during his arrest.

Utrecht

In a statement, police said terrorism remained a real possibility as a motive, noting that a letter was uncovered in the getaway car.

Investigators said other motives had not been discounted and are under investigation.

Police said they had so far uncovered no connection between the victims and the suspect and noted that the nature of the attack also pointed toward terrorism.

Two other men, aged 23 and 27-years-old have also been arrested and police are working to establish whether they were involved in the attack.

A mourner places a balloon-shaped heart at the site of a shooting incident on a tram in Utrecht, Netherlands, 19-03-2019. Image: Peter Dejong/AP/Press Association Images

Victims

Police said a 19-year-old woman and two men aged 28 and 49-years-old died in the shooting.

Two women, aged 20 and 21-years-old were seriously injured alongside a 74-year-old man.

There will be an increased police presence throughout the city today as the investigation continues.