Finnish police probe shooting spree that claimed six lives (Roundup)

Jan 1, 2010, 16:48 GMT

Helsinki - Four victims of a shooting spree in the Finnish city of Espoo were shot within six minutes, according to analysis of security camera tapes, police said Friday.

The probe continued into how the suspected gunman, identified as Ibrahim Shukpolli, had acquired the unlicensed gun used in Thursday's shooting in Espoo, near the capital Helsinki

The victims included his ex-partner, a Finnish woman he broke up with in 2008 after an 18-year relationship, and four of her colleagues.

The ex-partner was found dead in her apartment. It remained unknown Friday why Shukpolli targeted the co-workers, but police were investigating reports of arguments between Shukpolli and the other employees.

Pending autopsies, police were unwilling to discuss details of the shootings, but jealousy was one of the motives being investigated.

Following the break-up of the relationship, the woman requested a restraining order against Shukpolli, who, according to court documents, had made numerous threats against her.

On Friday, it emerged that Shukpolli violated the terms of the restraining order when he sent his ex-partner a text message in November.

Shukpolli a few months ago appealed against the restraining order, which extended to his ex-partner's workplace at the shopping centre.

The Kosovo-born Shukpolli moved to Finland in 1990 and was convicted in 2003 and 2007 for weapons violations. Other convictions included theft and drug charges.

Shukpolli's body was found in his flat in Espoo after the shootings. It appeared he had shot himself.

Memorial services for the victims were held late Thursday and on Friday. Crisis management teams have offered counselling to survivers.

Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen said the events leading up to the tragic shooting would be investigated. Both Vanhanen and President Tarja Halonen offered condolences. The bishop of Espoo and two imams also issued a joint statement condemning the shootings.

Finland has suffered two major school shootings and a bombing in recent years.

In September 2008, a student opened fire in a vocational school, killing nine classmates and a teacher. The 22-year-old then shot and killed himself.

In late 2007, an 18-year-old student killed six fellow students, a nurse, and his school's headmaster, before shooting himself in the head.

After the 2008 shooting, the Finnish government adopted tougher gun laws.