Killer had a hit list of creches

A 20-year-old man accused of a crèche stabbing spree was carrying a rucksack of weapons and the addresses of three other nurseries when he was arrested, Belgian authorities said yesterday. He lived alone, was unemployed, and had no criminal record or previously known mental problems.

Officials said the suspect wore a bulletproof vest under his clothing and had a knife, an axe and a fake pistol. Police also found two other knives near the crèche where a nine-month-old girl, a six-month-old boy and a 54-year-old carer were killed. Investigators believe the suspect entered the crèche at about 10am on Friday and started stabbing the children. After the killings, he rode off on a bicycle and was arrested in a nearby town.

The suspect, whom local media have identified as "Kim D", is refusing to co-operate with police in Dendermonde, where he is being held.