Six Expired, 16 wounded in Netherlands shooting

THE HAGUE: A gunman opened fire with an automatic weapon in a mall outside of Amsterdam, expiring at least six people and wounding 16 others, the Dutch authorities said.

The government of the city of Alphen aan den Rijn has announced the death toll in the shooting at the mall Ridderhof on his Twitter account. The suburb is less than 15 miles southwest of Amsterdam.

A witness identified as Maart Verbeek told state broadcaster NOS attacker had a gun and that he had seen at least five people he believed were killed and scores injured.

"There was panic in the mall, many people running," said Verbeek, who owns a pet shop. "I see coming forward on foot, and I go into the store ... and I see that happening with a big machine gun. "

The broadcaster quoted witnesses as saying the man himself later shot in the head with a second weapon, a pistol, and is one of four fatalities. The police could not be reached to confirm or comment on the incident.

"Right now, we can confirm that there are four dead and 16 wounded," the city said on his Twitter account. He said there was only one shooter.

The gunman was described as being about 25 and wore a leather jacket and camouflage pants.