New 'shoot to kill' law for school attackers in China

The southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing has imposed an order Tuesday allowing police to shoot to kill if a person attempts to harm students after a spate of attacks on children in school last week.

Reuters

"If they cannot contain the violent acts, police can shoot to kill in accordance with the law," the Chingqing Evening News reported.

China's public security ministry called for tighter measures around schools and kindergartens around the country after a farmer with a hammer injured five children and a teacher in an elementary school on Friday.

Last Thursday, a jobless man slashed 29 children and three adults with a butcher's knife, while on Wednesday, a 33-year-old teacher placed on leave for mental problems attacked 15 students and a teacher.

A former doctor was also executed last week for stabbing to death eight children and injuring five others after his girlfriend broke up with him last March.

Around the country, other preventative measures have been taken, including banning bars and snooker rooms being withing 200 metres of a school. More than 200 security guards have been dispatched to schools.