The arrest of two 15-year-old boys in Almere for the murder of a classmate earlier this week brings the total number of 16-and-under boys facing murder charges this year to six, the Telegraaf said on Thursday.

The latest incident took place on Tuesday evening when 15-year-old Shakil, described by his family as an ‘ordinary teenager’ was allegedly stabbed to death by the other two boys.

Earlier this year, another 15-year-old stabbed a 16-year-old to death in a row over a drugs debt, said to be several hundred euros. He is due to appear in court soon.

This summer, 14-year-old Brian N was arrested for the rape and murder of 14-year-old Romy from Hoevlaken and was given the maximum sentence for a juvenile – one year in detention to be followed by treatment in a secure psychiatric unit.

A 16-year-old boy is also facing murder charges for the killing of 14-year-old Savannah Dekker, this summer. And in September, a 14-year-old was arrested for killing his parents in Katlijk in Friesland. He has admitted murder.

The Telegraaf says every year seven or eight minors are arrested for murder in the Netherlands but that they are usually aged 16 and 17.