Man charged over creche murders
Updated 22.30 Sat Jan 24 2009
A 20-year-old unemployed man has been charged with murdering two babies and a female member of staff at a creche in Belgium.

The man, identified only as "Kim D", wounded 13 others at the Fabeltjesland - Fairytale Land - creche in Dendermonde, situated northwest of Brussels, where about 18 children, all aged under three, were being looked after by six adults.

Some Belgian media said a piece of paper had been found in the suspect's pocket with the address of another day care centre - suggesting he may have planned more than one attack. Those killed were aged six and nine months and a 54-year-old woman childminder.

Some of the wounded children will require plastic surgery, hospital staff said.

The man had no previous criminal record. When arrested he was carrying a knife, a small axe, a fake pistol and was wearing body armour. Two more knives were found at the scene.

"We don't know about his motive. He doesn't say anything ... he's very passive," prosecutor Christian said Du Four said, adding that the suspect will appear in court on Tuesday.

Local media dubbed the assailant the "Joker" killer because his face was painted white and his eyes blackened, like the criminal mastermind in the Batman films.

He arrived at the creche mid-morning on Friday saying he wanted to ask a question. But he then ran into the creche's rooms and launched his attacks, slashing at victims with a knife, before cycling off. He was detained a short time later at a shop.

Some Belgian media said a piece of paper had been found in the suspect's pocket with the address of another day care centre - suggesting he may have planned more than one attack.

The country is in shock and Dendermonde residents, many still mouthing disbelief, laid bouquets and teddy bears at the creche. Tens of thousands of people expressed condolences online on the Facebook networking site.

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