A knifeman has killed at least eight pupils in a rampage at their school in western Japan. Officials say more than 20 other pupils were hurt, along with several teachers. Some are seriously ill in hospital.
Police say they have detained a man.
Reports say he was mentally disturbed. Rampage Police officials said the stabbings occurred shortly after classes began at the school, which caters for children up to the age of 12. Fire department official Tetsuo Higashimoto said two of the children were killed immediately. The others died later in hospital. It is believed the children were aged six or seven.