Prime Minister Stefan Lફfven said a possible “terrorist” motive was being investigated.
An ax-wielding man shot and killed eight people before arresting them in a southern Swedish city on Wednesday.
“We heard a scream from the street. After that, we saw a man entering the store, shouting that he had been stabbed.
“Her shoulder was bleeding so we got a towel and applied pressure to the wound.”
Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said a possible “terrorist” motive was being investigated.
“In light of what has emerged so far in the police investigation, the prosecution has launched a preliminary investigation into the terrorism offenses,” he said.
Shortly after his statement, investigators at the Police News Conference said they had launched a preliminary investigation into the attempted murder, with details “prompting us to investigate any terrorist motive”.
“But at the moment I can’t go into details,” said Regional Police Chief Malena Gray.
Police say a 20-year-old man attacked people in the small town of Wetland, 190 km (118 miles) southeast of Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city. Its purpose was not immediately known.
The man was shot by police, who said the condition of the attacker and the culprit was not immediately known. Officials did not provide details about the identity of the suspect who was taken to the hospital.
“It looks like the injuries weren’t fatal,” said local police chief Jonas Lindell. But he could not give further details.
The incidents happened in downtown Wetland with police, who said they received a call just after 14:00 GMT about a man attacking people with an ax. Police also said there are five crime scenes in the city of about 13,000.
Lofven condemned the “horrific act” and added that Sweden’s local security agency, SAPO, was also working on the case.
“They are constantly evaluating whether there are reasons to take steps to increase security and are prepared to do so if necessary,” he said in a statement.
.
