One killed in Finland school shooting, suspect in custody

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Police officers stand guard outside Viertola comprehensive school, Vantaa, outside the Finnish capital Helsinki, Finland, April 2, 2024. /CFP

One child was killed and two others seriously injured in a shooting outside the Finnish capital on Tuesday, police said, with a 12-year-old fellow pupil arrested as a suspect and taken into custody, Reuters reports.

The suspect was detained within an hour of the event in an area close to the school, and they were in possession of a handgun, police said, adding that the detention took place without incident.

Finnish police investigate the scene at the primary school Viertola comprehensive school, Vantaa, Finland, April 2, 2024. /CFP

There are no other suspects for now, police said. and the only available information is that they are all 12-year-old pupils from the Viertola school.

In a preliminary interview, the suspect, who had not yet had the chance to make a plea, admitted to the assault, police said. As the suspect is too young to be placed in custody, he will be placed in the care of social services, the Reuters report added.

Finland's Prime Minister Petteri Orpo and other ministers expressed their shock about the event.

The Viertola school in the city of Vantaa serves 800 pupils and has a staff of 90, local authorities said.

(With input from agencies)