Police and forensics experts have launched a major investigation following the discovery of two bodies inside the Pathé cinema in Groningen on Saturday morning.

First responders with drawn firearms arrived at the scene around 9:20 am after the find was reported and remain on surveillance in the area. Forensic department units have also been spotted on the second floor of the cinema complex.

According to police reports, the deceased may have been victims of a crime, but the exact circumstances surrounding their deaths is still under investigation. The identities and exact location of the bodies also remain unknown.

Bystanders expressed shock at the news. ‘Again? There are so many criminals in Holland now,’ one Groningen resident told DutchNews.nl.

All shows at the nine-theatre cinema have been cancelled, and full refunds have been offered to customers who have already bought tickets. Our ‘thoughts are with the victims and their families,’ the cinema said on social media.

Traffic will continue to be redirected away from the Gedempte Zuiderdiep as the area around the cinema remains sealed off while the investigation gets underway.