Two people injured in a stabbing at Amsterdam's main train station were American tourists, officials have confirmed.

The attack took place shortly after noon on Friday.

The two suspects are not believed to have been seriously injured, but were hospitalised after the stabbing.

Police shot and injured a 19-year-old suspect during the incident.

Officials confirmed the suspect was an Afghan man with a German residency permit.

He was taken to hospital for treatment, and is being questioned by police.

A statement from the authorities in Amsterdam added that terrorism is among the potential motives being investigated.

They are also in contact with German authorities about the man's background.

In a statement, US Ambassador to the Netherlands Pete Hoekstra said: "I want to express my support to those who were attacked at Amsterdam Centraal Station yesterday. We are aware that both victims were US citizens visiting the Netherlands and have been in touch with them or their families.

"We wish them a speedy recovery and are working closely with the City of Amsterdam to provide assistance to them and their families."

He also thanked emergency services for caring for the two victims and "their extremely effective and courageous efforts in apprehending" the suspect.