Source:
https://scmp.com/news/china/society/article/2049218/seven-chinese-children-among-nine-injured-axe-attack-near-primary
China

Seven Chinese children injured by axe-wielding man who wanted ‘revenge on society’

Suspect also wounded two adult passers-by after attacking primary school pupils

Nine people were injured in the incident, among them seven children, most of whom are pupils in the primary school nearby. Photo: SCMP Pictures

Seven children and two adults were injured in northwestern China on Friday by an axe-wielding man who wanted to “wreak revenge on society”, Chinese media reported.

The attack happened around 11.40am near a primary school in the city of Hanzhong in Shaanxi province, state broadcaster CCTV reported.

The seven injured children – all girls from Beiguan Primary School – had been lining up for lunch.

The CCTV report, quoting local police, said the suspect, Lei Mingyue, 58, attacked the pupils to “wreak vengeance on society”.

A medical staff carries an injured girl on the street in Hanzhong, Shaanxi province. Photo: SCMP Pictures
A medical staff carries an injured girl on the street in Hanzhong, Shaanxi province. Photo: SCMP Pictures
The attack by the axe-wielding man took place near the Hantai Sanlicun Primary School. Photo: SCMP Pictures
The attack by the axe-wielding man took place near the Hantai Sanlicun Primary School. Photo: SCMP Pictures

He went on to injure two adult passers-by as he fled the scene after injuring the children. Lei had criminal records for stealing in Beijing and Shaanxi, according to the report.

Witnesses said the suspect, who attacked his victims with an axe, looked to be in his 50s and might be mentally ill, Huashang Daily reported.

The man, who appeared drunk, was eventually subdued by security guards from a hotel nearby, the report said.

Pictures from the scene showed medical staff carrying a young girl onto a stretcher and attending to her. The girl had blood flowing down her head.

Those injured were taken to hospital. It was unclear how serious their injuries were.

An investigation is ongoing.