The masked swordsman who stabbed two people to death at a school in Sweden had a racist motive and had planned the attack.

That is according to police investigators, who also say that evidence points to him having acted alone.

The man was shot dead by police after launching his deadly assault in the industrial town of Trollhattan.

Officers say there are indications the 21-year-old had a background of far right views.

What is being described as a “kind of suicide note” has also been found at an apartment.

“There are three factors. One is the findings at the assailant’s flat, which point to the motive being that of a hate crime,” said police chief Niclas Hallgren.

“Also, the way the assailant dressed, acted and moved at the crime scene. Finally, the way the victims were selected here at the school.”

The stabbings at the school have stunned Sweden. They come after a spate of arson attacks on asylum centres in the south of country – amid a surge in migrant arrivals.