Swedish police say the suspect held over Friday's lorry attack had been wanted for deportation.
ADVERTISEMENTThousands of people gathered in the sunshine in Stockholm on Sunday to pay tribute to the victims of Friday’s truck attack in the Swedish capital.
The rally, held close to the scene of the atrocity, included a minute’s silence exactly 48 hours after the lorry ploughed through a crowd and into a department store.
The four people who died have been identified as two Swedes – one of them an 11-year-old girl – a British man and a Belgian woman.
The Briton killed in the attack has been named as Chris Bevington, 41, who had lived in Stockholm for 10 years.
Nine of the 15 injured remained in hospital on Sunday, two of them in intensive care.
Today thousands of people gather in Stockholm to show that peace and love will win over violence and hate. #openstockholmpic.twitter.com/9RxOeNG3Rv
— Sweden.se (@swedense) April 9, 2017
Police say the Uzbek suspect being held was known for sympathising with extremist groups including the so-called Islamic State, and was wanted for deportation.
“He (the suspect) has applied for permit residence in Sweden. He has been denied that. And he’s been wanted by the police though he’s not been in custody of the migration office,” said National Strategic Commander Jonas Hysing.
Despite his apparent extremist sympathies the suspect had not been identified as a threat by the security services.
“A wonderful husband, son, father, brother and close friend to many,” says dad of Briton killed in Stockholm attack https://t.co/LmD5EmZOYr
— The Local Sweden (@TheLocalSweden) April 9, 2017
Prosecutors said on Sunday a second man had been arrested in connection with the attack and had been assigned a lawyer. Earlier the authorities said seven people had been brought in for questioning.
On Saturday police confirmed a suspect device was found in the hijacked lorry that ploughed into a Stockholm department store on Friday.
They have not given details about the exact nature of the device, but say it was discovered in the driver’s seat.
A memorial service will be held on Monday (April 10) and Sweden will observe another minute of silence for those killed and injured.
Stockholmers reclaim the street that only 48 hrs ago was the scene of chaos and violence #kärleksmanifestaion#Stockholmpic.twitter.com/gPFF7UKhrP
— David Landes (@DaveLandes) April 9, 2017