Emergency services were alerted to a suspected knife attack at the premises of Savo Vocational College in the Herman shopping centre in the Levänen neighbourhood of Kuopio at 12.29 pm on 1 October 2019.
The police apprehended the suspect at 12.37 pm. Officers used firearms to stop the suspect. The suspect was seriously injured in the operation and is being treated at Kuopio University Hospital. The alleged perpetrator is suspected of murder as well as several other violent crimes and attempts. The names of the offences will become clearer as the investigation progresses. The suspect is a Finnish citizen by birth. The suspect was found in possession of both a bladed weapon and a firearm.
The attack has left one person dead and 10 injured. Among the injured is one police officer, whose injuries are not believed to be serious.
The police have secured the crime scene and evacuated the shopping centre. Officers are still searching the building. Forensic investigators are at the scene.
For the latest updates, follow the Eastern Finland Police Department on Twitter @poliisiIS
A press conference is scheduled for 5.00 pm at the main police station in Kuopio.
The National Bureau of Investigation will be taking over the investigation.
A helpline for families and friends of the victims will be operating at Kuopio University Hospital
on +358 (0)17 172 000 until 8.00 pm.
Crisis support is available 24/7 on +358 (0)44 718 3930.
