Numerous schoolchildren have been injured after an SUV driver ploughed into students and pedestrians outside a primary school in China.
Students were arriving for the day at the school in Changde, Hunan province, on Tuesday when the shocking attack took place.
But state broadcaster CCTV confirmed that, though many bystanders were hurt in the incident, none sustained life-threatening injuries.
Police said the victims were rushed to hospital "as soon as possible" following the attack.
Police said the victims were rushed to hospital 'as soon as possible' following the attack
REUTERS
Students were spotted fleeing across the school grounds as the shock incident took place
REUTERS
Police have arrested a 39-year-old male suspect in connection with the incident, though authorities have not provided details about how the crash occurred.
Video footage circulating on social media showed the aftermath of the attack, with the suspect being dragged into the street and beaten by bystanders with sticks and rods.
Additional clips revealed the man being handcuffed and restrained on wet cement by a uniformed officer.
Investigations into the incident are continuing, police said.
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The SUV driver ploughed into students and pedestrians outside a primary school
REUTERS
Verified social media footage from the scene showed young children running into the school compound, shouting "Help!" as a white compact SUV stopped just past the school entrance.
At least five people, including a student wearing a backpack, were seen lying on the path where the vehicle had driven through a narrow street in front of the school.
Bystanders could be heard calling for police assistance as the chaotic scene unfolded.
The attack comes just over a week after another deadly crash in Zhuhai, southern China, where a driver rammed into crowds at a sports centre, killing 35 people and severely injuring 43 others - the deadliest mass attack in China in a decade.
Tuesday's events prompted Japan to issue a warning to its citizens ahead of a World Cup qualifier match in China between the two nations.
A spectator covered in patriotic slogans ran onto the pitch
REUTERS
The football match proceeded - but was briefly interrupted when a spectator covered in patriotic slogans ran onto the pitch.
China's top prosecutors gathered on Tuesday to discuss sentencing for "major vicious and extreme crimes" putting public security at risk.
The Supreme People's Procuratorate issued a statement on its official social media account addressing the matter.
Procurator-General Ying Yong said: "The hand of 'strictness' can never be loosened.
"We must be resolute and determined and punish crimes severely and quickly in accordance with the law to provide a strong deterrent."
