At least 87 dead in Norway massacre

At least 87 people are confirmed dead in the worst attack on Norway’s soil since World War II, with the number expected to rise.

A bomb that exploded outside Oslo’s government quarter yesterday has so far claimed the lives of seven people and injured many more.

Shortly afterward the blasts a man posing as a police officer entered a Social Democrat youth camp on Utøya and opened fire with an automatic weapon, killing 80 people – mostly teenagers aged between 14 and 19.

The attacks have sparked outrage in Norway, but Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg said in his first press conference since the attacks: “The most important thing now is to support and help the victims.”

In the press conference held at 8am local time (4pm EST Australia), Mr Stoltenberg and Norway’s Justice Minister Knut Storberget urged the public to be caring and help each other to get through the tragedy.

The Prime Minister described the situation as a nightmare.

“The paradise at Utøya has changed into a hell – blood and death,” he said.

“All the available resources are involved to bring those responsible to justice.”

The motives behind the attack are not yet known but one man has been arrested and interrogated overnight. There are reports he has links to right-wing extremist groups and has been actively involved on anti-Islamist websites.

In accordance with Norway’s terror preparation doctrine, the military has entered Oslo to assist police with the recovery effort and law and order.

Justice Minister Knut Storberget said the terror preparation plans were strictly adhered to but could not say whether the situation is over.

Intelligence support has been offered to assist Norway with their investigation from most European nations and also the US.

It is unclear at this time if the man suspected of the terrorist attacks is involved with a known terror organisation.

Photo: Justice Minister Knut Storberget (left) and Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg (right) at the press conference in Oslo.

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