A man suspected of stabbing a Japanese boy to death was arrested immediately and the incident is believed to be an individual case, the Shenzhen Special Zone Daily reported on Friday.

The incident happened at 7:55 am on Wednesday when the 10-year-old victim was attacked by the suspect surnamed Zhong on his way to school in Shenzhen, Guangdong province.

Local police immediately rushed to the scene, and the suspect was detained on the spot. Ambulance arrived at the scene at 8:05 am and the boy was sent to the nearest hospital at 8:15 am. He died at 1:36 am on Thursday after attempts by multiple medical experts failed.

Zhong is 44 years old and has no stable job. He admitted to killing the boy.

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He was released on bail in Dongguan, Guangdong, in 2015 for allegedly damaging public telecommunication equipment. In 2019, he was detained in Shenzhen for allegedly disturbing public order. The case is under further investigation.

A senior Shenzhen government official expressed deep regret for the unfortunate incident and expressed his condolences to the family of the boy.

The authorities will get to the bottom of the case as soon as possible and hold the perpetrator to account according to law, the official said.

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Public security and education authorities have strengthened security measures at places surrounding schools, the official said.

The city is committed to good practice of law enforcement and sound safety environment. It has created legal, international and convenient environment for international people to work, study, travel and live in the city and it will continue to take forceful and effective measures to safeguard the life and property and legal rights of all people living in the city, including foreigners, the official said.