Finnish police investigate university attack threat; 2 people detained

HELSINKI – Finnish police say they have detained two people for allegedly planning an attack against the University of Helsinki.

The university's administrative chief Esa Hamalainen told The Associated Press on Friday it was the first time such a threat "against the life or health of others" has been made against the Nordic country's key academic institution, but gave no further details.

Helsinki police confirmed two people were detained March 8 and they are investigating the incident, but declined to provide further details.

The University of Helsinki is Finland's largest academic institution with about 37,000 students enrolled.