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5 dead after stabbing incident on Hyogo’s Awaji Island, 1 male arrested

The scene of the crime in Sumoto City
The scene of the crime in Sumoto City

HYOGO (TR) –  Hyogo Prefectural Police on Monday arrested a 40-year-old male in a stabbing incident in Awaji Island’s Sumoto City that has left five people dead, reports public broadcaster NHK (March 9).

At just after 7:00 a.m., police received a report about a stabbing involving several people in the Nakagawaracho area. Officers arriving at two residences in the area confirmed the death of three people due to stab wounds from a knife.

Two other victims found at the scene were transported to a local hospital in critical condition. Both later died due to their injuries, reports the Nikkei Shimbun (March 9).

Police arrested Tatsuhio Hirano, a resident who lives near the crime scene, with attempted murder. At the time of his apprehension, his clothing was covered in blood.

The suspect has reportedly admitted to the allegations. The weapon used in the crime has yet to be found.

The victims are both male and female. Police are now attempting to confirm their identities.

Note: An earlier version of this story indicated that the incident left three dead and two injured.