The two men arrested in connection with the shooting of television crime journalist Peter R. de Vries will appear in court in Amsterdam for a remand hearing on Friday afternoon.

Polish national Kamil E and Rotterdammer Delano G were arrested in a car leaving the A4 motorway shortly after the shooting on Tuesday evening. G, who is 21 and already has a lengthy record, is thought by police to be the shooter.

The motive for the shooting has not yet been established but sources close to the investigation have told the Telegraaf and broadcaster NOS that there may be a link with the ongoing Marengo gangland trial.

The brother of the crown witness in that case, and his lawyer, have already been shot dead, and De Vries was acting as the witness’s representative.

De Vries’ family said on Thursday evening that his condition remains unchanged and that it will be several days before there is more clarity.

De Vries was shot five times and was hit in the head. He was said on Tuesday evening to be fighting for his life.