Death toll in Norway attacks reduced to 76

Death toll in Norway attacks reduced to 76

2011-07-26 11:27:25 GMT+7 (ICT)

OSLO (BNO NEWS) -- Norwegian police on Monday reduced the confirmed number of fatalities as a result of Friday's bomb blast and mass shooting to 76, significantly lower than the previous 93.

The attacks happened on Friday afternoon when 32-year-old Anders Behring Breivik is accused of setting off a car bomb in the Government quarter in Oslo. He then allegedly went on a shooting spree on Utoya island where the Labour Party's annual Workers' Youth League (AUF) youth summer camp was being held.

Police had initially said seven people were killed in Oslo, but revised that number up to eight on Monday. Meanwhile, the number of fatalities on Utoya was revised from 86 to 68.

"The figures have been revised downwards compared to the previously stated number of deaths. The police and other rescue personnel had very demanding tasks on Utoya and was forced to give priority to the survivors and to secure the area," a police spokesperson said. "In this complex situation, a high number of dead emerged. Police thought it was very important to convey to the people that the tragedy on Utoya had a far greater extent than the first reports of ten fatalities."

The spokesperson said that, several days later, police have been able to carry out accurate surveys on Utoya, resulting in the revision. "This number may increase as the searches are still ongoing in the area," the spokesperson added. It is unknown how many remain missing.

During a first hearing behind closed doors on Monday, the court in Oslo decided to extend Breivik's custody for an additional eight weeks as the investigation continues. Breivik has requested his trial to be open to the public, although some fear it would create a platform for him to spread his beliefs.

-- © BNO News All rights reserved 2011-07-26