Vienna attacks had Islamist motive, UK raises terror threat level to "severe"

UK raises terror threat level to severe, the second-highest level, following attacks in other European countries. The level signifies that an attack is considered highly likely.

Vienna attacks: What We Know So Far

Tuesday morning, the interior minister, Karl Nehammer, said he was “certain” the attack has an Islamist motive. The attackers “were very well equipped with automatic weapons” and had “prepared professionally”.

Five people died during an attack in Vienna on Monday night, including two male civilians and two female, and one gunman who was killed by police.

Twenty-two people were injured with gunshot and knife wounds, including at least one police officer. Seven victims were reported by medics to be in critical condition.

The assaults occurred at six locations close to Seitenstettengasse in the heart of the Austrian capital.

Authorities described one of the attackers as a 20-year-old “Islamist terrorist” with North Macedonian and Austrian citizenship.

One attacker was shot dead by police. The slain terrorist was carrying an explosive belt and a bag filled with ammunition. The explosive belt was being defused by a de-mining team into the early hours of Tuesday.

Police said they were not certain how many attackers were on the streets and reportedly 14 people associated with the slain assailant have been detained for questioning in searches on 18 properties in and near Vienna.

The army has been deployed in the capital to back up law enforcement, as a widespread search continued on Tuesday.

Hundreds of people were still taking refuge in cafes, bars and Austria’s national theatre early Tuesday morning. The city centre remained closed off, with 1,000 police officers patrolling the streets.

Earlier, authorities had said at least one gunman remained on the run. The interior minister had warned that the assailant was “heavily armed and dangerous” and urged the public to stay indoors until the all-clear was given. There is yet no indication of a second assailant, the interior minister said on Tuesday afternoon, after conflicting reports overnight.

Schools will be closed in Vienna on Tuesday and the country has declared three days of mourning.

World leaders have expressed their solidarity with the Austrian people.