Two dead and 21 injured after knifeman launches 'vicious assault' at hospital in China

Two people have been killed and 21 injured in a "vicious assault" at a hospital in southwest China, according to authorities.

Initial reports indicated conflicting numbers regarding casualties in the knife attack on Tuesday in Yunnan province. An online post from Guizhou province television, citing unnamed authorities, stated that two had died and 23 people were injured.

However, authorities later confirmed there had been 21 injuries and two deaths. In a statement, they said: "At present, the injured are receiving treatment in the hospital. Investigations are ongoing."

The attack occurred at Zhenxiong County People's Hospital in Zhaotong city. Police mentioned that the suspect is from Poji town in Zhenxiong, although it remains unclear if he has been arrested. No motive has been given.

A suspect is under investigation, authorities said.

"The incident occurred at a local hospital, and as of 1:20 pm (0520 GMT)... more than 10 people have been wounded or killed," stated the state news agency Xinhua. A witness told Red Star News, an online outlet, that he narrowly escaped the attack and that a doctor or doctors were among the injured.

Video footage from the witness showed individuals bleeding and fallen on the ground, with one older person attempting to assist another. Authorities cautioned residents and store owners in the neighborhood to "lock their doors" and "avoid contact with unknown persons," as reported by local media.

Mass violence incidents are rare in China, where citizens are not allowed to own firearms, but there has been a spate of stabbings in recent years. Last year, a knifeman entered a kindergarten and butchered six people, including three young children. Police in China's southeastern Guangdong province confirmed that a 25-year-old man, identified only by his surname, Wu, had carried out the heinous attack.