Gunman killed in Dutch court drama

It was not clear who shot the prosecutor

A gunman has been shot dead in the Netherlands after police stormed a courtroom where he was holding a prosecutor hostage.

The prosecutor was wounded in the assault, though it was not clear who had shot him.

The man was known by prosecutors and police in several countries to be violent

Police statement

The 20-year-old gunman - of Albanian origin - entered a hearing room in the courthouse, in the eastern Dutch city of Arnhem, and seized the prosecutor at about 1100 (1000 GMT).

Other court officials managed to escape from the building.

The gunman, who was facing robbery charges, demanded to be put in touch with a co-defendant in his case.

During negotiations with the authorities by phone, he threatened to kill his hostage.

Security forces stormed the building after hearing a shot from inside.

"The situation in the courtroom had become extremely threatening," a police statement said.

"The man was known by prosecutors and police in several countries to be violent."