The 18-year-old man who was arrested on New Year’s Day in connection with the death of 52-year-old Bert Suurd has been released, the Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) announced Wednesday evening.
The police have launched a large-scale investigation to determine the cause of Suurd’s death.
Confrontation on street
The man was involved in a confrontation on the street about half an hour before his death, the OM said. The 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with the confrontation.
“All witnesses who were present at the time of the incident have been interviewed, including the youths from the group of which the suspect is a member,” the OM said.
The injuries sustained were not fatal: Public Prosecutor’s Office
“Examinations on the body indicated minor injuries that did not cause the death, the prosecutors further stated. “A definitive cause of death has not been determined.”
Based on the investigation, the OM sees no reason to hold the suspect any longer. The man remains a suspect as long as the investigation into the cause of the confrontation is not completed. The OM does not expect any further arrests.
“Not severely assaulted”
The OM refutes reports in the media that the victim was severely assaulted. “That conclusion is not in line with our investigative findings,” the office emphasized.
The OM cautioned against jumping to conclusions or inciting actions, urging the public to allow the police to conduct investigations. Attempts on social media platforms to disclose identities of others involved in the New Year’s Eve incident were warned against, as incitement or doxing constitutes a punishable offense, according to the OM.
The prosecutors have also asked for the public’s help in finding witnesses who may have seen the confrontation or who may have information about the events leading up to it. Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.
Image via WikiUser Michielverbeek, license here
