One of the four people arrested in connection with the deadly explosion in The Hague earlier this month is the ex-partner of the bridal shop owner, which police now believe was the target.

The Telegraaf and the AD reported on Wednesday that Moshtag B, who lives in Rotterdam, is the former partner of the owner of Aliyahs Styling and that the motive for the explosion is linked to the end of their relationship.

The three others are said to have carried out the plan to destroy the shop. Six people died in the explosion, including three members of the same family, and four others were injured.

The paper also said the B had recently tried to sell the shop owner’s Range Rover car, which was set on fire in the car park behind Tarwekamp at the time the explosion took place.

The police and public prosecution department have not confirmed the identity of the man. All four suspects were remanded in custody last Friday for a further 14 days.

It has also emerged that two of the suspects, both from Roosendaal, were arrested on December 1 after they were spotted in a van with the motor running next to supermarket in Oosterhout, where the third suspect lived.

The van, the AD said, contained 14 jerrycans, fireworks, a fire extinguisher and spare clothing and the two were later released without charge. The police and public prosecutor have declined to comment on that incident.

However, in a press release issued at the time the police said the duo were suspected of planning to commit a crime.

B also lived in Roosendaal for a time, the AD said.