A Syrian actress and artist who fled to the Netherlands to escape the civil war has been murdered in Zwolle, the NRC has reported.

Raifa al-Riz (53), who also known as Raifa Ahmed, was stabbed to death at her home on Monday, the paper said, although police have not yet confirmed she was the victim.

Al-Riz was famous in Syria for her work in the theatre but also painted and did television voice overs for cartoons.

According to one report, a neighbour had alerted the police after hearing screaming coming from the apartment. The victim was found unconscious at her home but died from her injuries in hospital.

A man has been arrested in connection with the killing, police said. They later confirmed to the NRC the man arrested is 33, but have not given any further details. Her brother also confirmed the death to CNN.

Syrian actress and singer Amal Arafa said on Twitter: ‘Last year, I came to the Netherlands and saw you and saw your home and studio, I did not know that we were going to say goodbye.’