UPDATE 3 - Netherlands: 3 killed in tram shooting

UPDATES WITH DEATH TOLLS, TITLE CHANGED

By Yusuf Hatip and Abdullah Asiran

BRUSSELS / UTRECHT, the Netherlands (AA) - Three people were killed when a gunman opened fire on tram passengers in the Netherlands, local officials said on Monday.

Jan van Zanen, the mayor of the central city of Utrecht, also said on social media that nine people were injured in the attacks.

The attack was carried out at October 24 Square in the city.

Dutch police are investigating the case as a terrorist attack.

Gokmen Tanis, 37, is a suspect in the attack, Dutch police said on Twitter.

"A possible terrorist motive is part of the investigation," they added.

The national coordinator for security and counter-terrorism (NCTV) also announced on Twitter that the threat level was raised to five -- the highest level -- for Utrecht until 6.00 p.m. local time (1700GMT).

NCTV added that the offender is still on the run.

This is a developing story.

*Writing by Erdogan Cagatay Zontur