A British tourist has been widely praised for his bravery after tackling and restraining a suspected knifeman who stabbed five people in central Amsterdam on Thursday.
The dramatic incident unfolded near Dam Square, where the suspect was swiftly subdued by the unnamed Briton before police arrived at the scene.
Footage captured by onlookers shows the British man, clad in jeans and a black hoodie, pinning the suspect to the ground and twisting his arm behind his back to prevent further harm. His courageous intervention allowed authorities to detain the suspect without further escalation.
Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema commended the Briton’s actions, describing his response as “exceptional” and “instinctive.” Speaking to Dutch broadcaster AT5, Halsema noted that the man wished to remain anonymous and had acted solely out of concern for the victims.
“He is a very modest British man,” Halsema said. “This man made a decision in a split second, which is truly exceptional and for which there should be a lot of appreciation.”
As a mark of gratitude, Halsema invited the British tourist to her official residence, where he was presented with an award for bravery.
The gesture was also reported by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, which highlighted the man’s reluctance to seek recognition for his heroic act.
Five Injured in Stabbing Rampage
Dutch police responded to reports of a stabbing incident just before 15:30 local time (14:30 GMT), finding five wounded individuals at various locations in and around Sint Nicolaasstraat, a street in the heart of the city.
The victims were identified as a 67-year-old woman and a 69-year-old man from the United States, a 26-year-old Polish man, a 73-year-old Belgian woman, and a 19-year-old Dutch woman.
The suspect, who has not yet been officially named, was arrested and taken to hospital with a leg injury. Authorities have stated that the motive behind the attack remains “under investigation” but are considering the possibility that the victims were selected at random.
A police spokesman told Dutch news outlet AD that while citizen interventions can be risky, the British tourist had done “a great job” in preventing further casualties.
However, he cautioned that most individuals are “not trained” for such actions and should exercise caution before engaging with dangerous suspects.
Ongoing Investigation
The attack has left the city on edge, with officials working to determine whether the stabbing was a targeted assault or a random act of violence. The suspect remains in custody as authorities continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Meanwhile, the British man’s bravery has been lauded by both the public and law enforcement officials. His swift and selfless actions have drawn widespread admiration, with many calling him a hero for stepping in to protect others in a moment of crisis.
Amsterdam police continue to urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward as the investigation unfolds.
The city, known for its vibrant tourism and cultural heritage, is now grappling with the aftermath of a shocking attack that could have been even more devastating were it not for the intervention of one courageous bystander.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
