Man stabbed to death at Amsterdam schoolyard

DutchAmsterdam.nl — An adult man has been stabbed to death at or in front of a schoolyard in Amsterdam South this afternoon.

Police the identity of the 69-years old man, but will not reveal it until his family has been contacted.

When police arrived bystanders were still trying to reanimate the man, to no avail.

The stabbing incident took place at around 12:30 pm at the Willem Witsenstraat, but it is not yet known whether the man was stabbed at the schoolyard or in the street that fronts it.

At the time school children were on their lunch break, and a number of them witnessed the stabbing.

The man, employed by a temp agency, was hired by one of the schools to keep watch over children who remain at the school during their lunch break.

Three elementary schools, all located in the same street, use the schoolyard: Amsterdamse Montessorischool, 2e Daltonschool and the Willemsparkschool.

John van der Woning, director of the Willemsparkschool, in a message to parents said that children were not in danger at any time. He urges parents not to talk with the press about the incident.

Thus far there have been no arrests. Police say they believe one person committed the stabbing, but they do not know his identity or a motive for his deed. Police does have a vague description of the man.

Footage from security cameras at the school ground and nearby locations is being checked for possible clues.