Toronto van attack: First picture of suspect Alek Minassian, after 10 people killed when driver ploughed into pedestrians

Suspect: Alek Minassian
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This is the first picture of the man suspected of driving a van into pedestrians in Toronto, killing 10 people and injuring 15.

Alek Minassian, 25, was detained several streets away from the scene of the horrific crash in the Canadian city on Monday.

He was not previously known to authorities, police said.

Police chief Mark Saunders said the incident “definitely looked deliberate” but added that the motive was still unknown.

Former classmates of Minassian, from the suburb of Richmond Hill in northern Toronto, said he attended a school for students with special needs.

Shereen Chami said he would be seen walking around Thornlea Secondary School with his hands together and his head down, making meowing noises.

Toronto van incident - in pictures

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"He wasn't a social person, but from what I remember he was absolutely harmless," she said.

Video footage, shot by a bystander, has emerged appearing to show the moment he was arrested.

In the clip, a man claiming to have a gun repeatedly points an object at a police officer who shouts at him to “get down” as the suspect demands "kill me".

The man was then detained. No shots were fired, according to reports.

Horrified witnesses described how the speeding vehicle mounted the curb and hit people walking on the pavement in one of Toronto's busiest streets.

Shoes, torn clothing and bodies covered with tarpaulins were pictured strewn across Yonge Street after the attack at about 1.30pm local time.

Witness Phil Zullo told Canadian Press he saw people "strewn all over the road".

"It must have seen about five, six people being resuscitated by bystanders and by ambulance drivers," he added. "It was awful. Brutal."

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described it as a "tragic and senseless attack" that brought him "great sadness".

He said: "On behalf of all Canadians, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those who were killed, and my thoughts for a fast and full recovery to those injured.

“I thank the first responders at the scene who managed this extremely difficult situation with courage and professionalism. They faced danger without hesitation, and their efforts no doubt saved lives and prevented further injuries.”

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