An English-speaking tourist who tackled a suspected knifeman during a stabbing attack in Amsterdam has been praised for his bravery. The man, who has not been identified, was seen in footage pinning down the suspect after several people were stabbed in the city centre on Tuesday. Local reports say he spoke English and is believed to be British, but his nationality has not yet been officially confirmed.
Five people were injured in the incident, which happened in and around Sint Nicolaasstraat, near the busy Dam Square. Local police confirmed the suspect is not a Dutch national and is now in custody. He was taken to hospital with a leg injury. A spokesperson for Amsterdam police told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that the tourist’s actions were “heroic.”
A different spokesperson told the AD newspaper: “He did a great job. We’re very proud of him, but we also want to point out that you need to be very careful if you want to make a citizen’s arrest.”
Footage shared on social media shows the man restraining the suspect as others gather around.
The suspected knifeman was reportedly stopped near a fast-food restaurant after attempting to flee.
A staff member at the restaurant told The Independent that bystanders kicked the suspect to the ground as he tried to escape.
“Apparently some guy kicked him and broke his ankle,” they said.
The five victims included two American tourists aged 67 and 69, a 26-year-old man from Poland, a 73-year-old woman from Belgium, and a 19-year-old woman from Amsterdam.
Police said the victims were found in different locations near the Royal Palace.
According to Dutch outlet Het Parool, the attack began in a side street off Nieuwendijk, one of the city’s main shopping streets.
The suspect then moved towards Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal and Gravenstraat, where further stabbings took place before he was stopped by members of the public.
The area around Dam Square was quickly sealed off by police and an emergency helicopter landed to assist with the response.
Justice and Security Minister David van Weel said it was too early to comment on a possible motive.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema confirmed a police investigation was ongoing. “Our hearts go out to the victims, their families, and loved ones,” she added.
Social media users praised the English-speaking tourist for his intervention, calling him a “true hero.”
One comment read: “We need more people like this.” Another added: “This man deserves a medal.”
Authorities have not released any further information about the suspect or whether the attack was targeted or random.
