Gunman wounds three in Zurich mosque rampage, motive unclear

A man stormed into a Zurich mosque on Monday evening and opened fire on people praying, injuring three, Swiss police said.

Reuters news agency reported that the police said they had collected evidence inside the building and would make more details available on Tuesday. They reportedly declined to comment on the potential motive.

Two of the three men, who were aged 30, 35 and 56, were seriously injured in the attack shortly after 5:30pm local time (5:30pm CET) near the main train station in Switzerland's financial capital, Zurich police said.

A third sustained less severe injuries. All three were taken to hospital for treatment.

The unidentified suspect, a man around 30 years old who according to witnesses was wearing dark clothing and a dark wool cap, fled the mosque, police said.

Police confirmede on Tuesday that a body found near the scene was that of the assailant. Zurich cantonal police said authorities had identified the suspect, but gave no details. A news conference was scheduled for 2:00pm CET.

People at the scene told Reuters the Islamic Centre on Zurich's Eisgasse was used as a mosque, often by Somalis.

"We never once had a problem," Abukar Abshirow said, a Somali who said he was a regular worshipper at the centre that attracted Muslims from around the world.

"We never had anyone come and say why are you here. We never had that," Abshirow said, adding that the three victims were Somalis.