Sweden sword attack: Crazed masked murderer picked victims 'by skin colour'
THE crazed masked swordsman who killed two people in a Swedish school picked his victims by skin colour in an attack that was racially motivated, police believe.
The attack took place at Kronan school in Trollhattan, Sweden
Anton Lundin-Petterson, 21, was named by local media as the man believed to be behind the horrific killing spree at Kronan school in Trollhattan.
During the savage attack yesterday morning, a man carrying "knife-like weapons" is said to have burst into the school and began stabbing students.
He was then shot by police at the scene before later dying of his injuries in hospital.
A teaching assistant and male student were killed in the violent rampage, while two others were seriously wounded.
Labelling it as a hate crime, Swedish police today claimed the attack was carefully planned and added that the victims were all of immigrant backgrounds.
Their statement was based on a search of the suspect's home, along with the way he dressed, his behaviour at the scene and the way he chose his victims.
Anton Lundin-Petterson is thought to be the sword-wielding killer
Trollhattan Police said in a statement: "All together, this gives a picture that the perpetrator had a racist motive when he committed the crimes at Kronan school. His way of marching points to Nazism."
The southern industrial town has a large immigrant population among its 56,000 people and most students at Kronan school are foreign-born.
This gives a picture that the perpetrator had a racist motive
Police have yet to officially identify the attacker or victims.
Senior police officer Niclas Hallgren told a news conference that surveillance footage showed the attacker roaming insider the school with sword and a sharp knife.
While analysing the video, police noted that "those with dark skin were attacked", according to investigator Thord Haraldsson.
The footage also appeared to suggest that the attacker acted alone.
During the conference, officers revealed that the suspect left a "kind of suicide note" in his apartment where he "tells us by that letter that he considers this his final act".
Hundreds gathered outside the school today to hold an anti-racism protest
Signs urged people to respect the mourning
Following the attack, hundreds of people gathered outside the school today to hold an anti-racism protest with posters reading: "No to racism, no to hatred."
Signs in Swedish and Arabic urged people to respect the mourning.
Imam Abdi Rizak Wabari said during Friday prayers at a nearby mosque: "We do not have all facts yet, but we know innocent people have died. Maybe because of the distorted debate in the society."
Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven described the attack as "a black day for Sweden".