3 pupils killed, 13 hurt in Guangxi machete attack on school at lunch

At least three children were killed and 13 injured when a man armed with a machete rushed into a private day care centre in Pingnan county, Guangxi , yesterday and hacked 16 primary school pupils who were having lunch.

Police said the attack happened at about 2pm, when the 16 pupils from the nearby Guanying primary school were finishing their lunch break at the day care centre and preparing to go back to class.

They said the man broke into the day care centre and hacked 16 children with the heavy duty knife. At least three children were confirmed dead at hospital.

Xinhua said the 13 who were injured had been sent to Pingnan County People's Hospital for treatment. Police arrested the suspect at the scene.

Photos released by mainland media showed that most pupils suffered head wounds, with blood soaking through their clothes.

Internet users claimed the attacker was a patient who had escaped from a nearby psychiatric hospital. Some claimed at least seven children were in critical condition.