Police say Tampere stabbing victims were chosen at random

The victims in a stabbing outside the Kale shopping centre in Tampere were chosen at random, police told Yle. The suspected attacker’s anger stemmed from his own situation and was not directed at the victims, said the lead investigator, Detective Chief Inspector Marfa Raipela.

An 18-year-old man is suspected of stabbing one person and attempting to stab another nearby in the city’s Kaleva district last Tuesday. The Pirkanmaa District Court remanded him in custody on Thursday.

The first victim received hospital treatment for their injuries. The second was not physically hurt, though their clothing was torn.

Raipela said the suspect had admitted to the act in broad terms. In earlier questioning, he denied it and said he could not remember what had happened and had been intoxicated.

The investigation is largely complete, with some technical examinations and statements still outstanding. Police are also awaiting results that could confirm whether the suspect was intoxicated.