Utrecht (Netherlands), March 18 (IANS) Many people were injured on Monday in shooting in the Dutch town of Utrecht, police said.

The incident unfolded on or near a tram, CNN quoted police spokesman Joost Lanshage as saying.

Police said witnesses saw a man take out a weapon and start shooting randomly before fleeing the scene, Efe news reported.

The police said the incident took place at the 24th of October Square, which has been closed off.

"Multiple people have been injured. The surrounding area has been cordoned off and we are investigating the matter," the police tweeted.

The air ambulance service said it had deployed three helicopters to the scene.

--IANS in/mr