Man was "confused"

Eleven-year-old girl stabbed to death in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, police say they have arrested a man suspected of stabbing an eleven-year-old child to death in Nieuwegein.(Bild: AFP (Archivbild))

An eleven-year-old girl was found stabbed to death in a terraced housing estate in Nieuwegein in the Netherlands. Rescue workers had given the child first aid, but she succumbed to her injuries.

According to the police, the girl suffered a serious stab wound on Saturday afternoon. Despite first aid measures, the eleven-year-old succumbed to her injuries on the spot.

Rescue helicopter on site
A large contingent of police and rescue workers had gathered in Anemoonstraat, and a rescue helicopter was also on the scene.

Background still completely unclear
Details and background to the crime were not disclosed. The suspected perpetrator, a 29-year-old man, was arrested not far from the scene of the crime and taken away in handcuffs. The man's relationship to the girl, who is said to have Eritrean roots, is also unknown.

Man said to have appeared "confused"
The ANP news agency reported that the police had confirmed that the suspect was originally from Syria. ANP quoted police as saying that they were investigating reports that the suspect had been "confused" in the week before the attack.

Marijke van Beukering, the mayor of Nieuwegein, spoke of a "black chapter for the relatives and for Nieuwegein", according to Bild. What happened was terrible, "a nightmare for everyone". The crime will be investigated and the municipality is offering "support where necessary".