At least three children have been reportedly injured by a 12-year-old pupil armed with a gun at Viertolan Koulu school in Vantaa, near Helsinki, in Finland.
The incident happened early on Tuesday, as the person was arrested after police were called to the scene at 9.08am while the victims were taken to hospital, a police spokesperson told Reuters. No further details were immediately available.
The Finnish newspaper Ilta-Sanomat said the suspect was caught in the Helsinki area later on Tuesday, saying all of the victims were under the age of 13.
Finnish police said in a statement: “All those involved in the shooting incident are minors. According to the police’s current information, there are three injured.
“Police are at the scene investigating the incident. Bystanders are asked to stay away from the area and indoors. The door should not be opened to strangers.”
Viertola school is a primary school with around 800 pupils and around 90 staff.
Sari Laasila, the school’s principal, said: “The immediate danger is over.”
Witnesses say two ambulances and several police cars left the scene at around 10am local time.
