Xiaogan, China

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A man fatally stabbed eight people to death and injured one in central China, reported state media. The incident occurred on Thursday morning (May 23) in Xiaogan, Hubei province, as per CCTV footage.

The 53-year-old suspect, identified as Lu, had a history of mental illness. He is currently in police custody, and an investigation is underway. The injured person's condition is stable and not life-threatening, news agency Xinhua stated.

While violent crime is uncommon in China due to strict gun control laws, there has been an increase in stabbing incidents recently.

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Knife attack becoming commonplace in China

Earlier this week, a woman armed with a fruit knife killed two people and wounded four others at a primary school in Jiangxi province.

The incident occurred around midday in Guixi, as reported by the national television broadcaster CCTV. Despite rescue efforts, two victims succumbed to their injuries. Four others sustained non-life-threatening injuries, while an additional six suffered minor scratches.

CCTV did not disclose the ages of the victims.

The suspect, identified as 45-year-old Pan, is currently in police custody, and the case is under investigation.

Also read | Melbourne police searching for two Haryana students following fatal stabbing incident

Similar episodes in other countries

Last month, six people were killed and several others injured when a man went on a stabbing spree in a Sydney shopping mall, marking one of Australia's worst mass killings in recent years. The suspect was shot dead by the police.

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Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of "pandemonium" as they escaped the attack, with many taking refuge in shops. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the attack as "beyond words and understanding."

In a similar case, a man armed with a sword carried out a 22-minute rampage in east London, resulting in the death of a 14-year-old boy and injuries to four others.

(With inputs from agencies)