Man attacks 5 children, kills himself

A man killed himself after attacking five children at a primary school in Weifang, Shandong Province. This is the latest in a string of assaults on children at schools in the last few days.

The attacker, Wang Yonglai, a 45-year-old farmer, broke into Shangzhuang Primary School in Weifang City, Shandong Province with his motorcycle at 7:40 am Friday. Wielding a hammer, he injured five children and struck the foot of a teacher who tried to block him.

Then the man poured gasoline over his body and set himself on fire while holding two children. The two children were pulled away by teachers, and the man died at the scene.

All five injured children had been taken to hospital, where doctors said their conditions were all stable and not life-threatening.

Police are investigating the attack. It was the third school attack in China in three days.

Friday's attack comes after 29 children were hurt when a jobless man attacked them with a knife in Taixing, Jiangsu Province on Thursday. Five of the children are in serious condition. No motive was given for the crime.

On Wednesday, 16 children and a teacher at a primary school in Leizhou, Southern Guangdong Province were attacked by a 33-year-old former teacher.

Source: Global Times/Agencies