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The knifeman attacked the Tsukui Yamayuri-en facility for disabled people in the city of of Sagamihara, west of Tokyo. Police have arrested 26-year-old Satoshi Uematsu in connection with the attack after he turned himself in. He reportedly had a bag full of knives covered in blood and confessed to officers: "I did it."

REUTERS At least 15 people have been killed in Japan

It was revealed this morning Uematsu was involuntarily admitted to hospital earlier this year. He had tried to send a letter to the speaker of Japan's parliament in which he threatened to "kill many disabled people", according to police. In the letter, which he hand-delivered to security personnel, he also presented his vision of a society in which disabled people could be euthanised with the approval of family members. But he was discharged in March, just two weeks later, after a doctor said his condition had improved.

TWITTER The suspect reportedly said 'I want to get rid of the disabled from this world'

Local media reported that he also told police: "I want to get rid of the disabled from this world." The victims reportedly ranged in age from 18 to 70, and the dead included nine males and 10 females. Police received a call from staff just after 2.30am local time following reports a man armed with a knife had been seen in the grounds of the Tsukui Yamayuri Garden. The facility, set in extensive grounds, had about 150 residents with eight staff members on duty at the time of the attack.

REUTERS The alleged attacker was reportedly sacked from his job at the care home

REUTERS The care home is in Kanagawa Prefecture, west of Tokyo

I want to get rid of the disabled from this world Alleged knifeman Satoshi Uematsu

Uematsu, a former employee of the care home, reportedly broke into the building by smashing a window with a hammer. Chikara Inabayashi 68, told AFP he had been woken by the sound of sirens at about 3am. He said: "I was astonished, that's the only thing I can say.'' Police confirmed 15 people were killed and 45 injured – four of which are in a critical condition. Of those injured, 13 are "severely" hurt, according to a local fire official. Ten suffered moderate injuries and the remaining gained minor injuries. They are being treated in a number of local hospitals. One doctor said: "The patients are very shocked mentally, and they cannot speak now."

Terror Attacks 2016 Sun, July 31, 2016 2016 has been an unforgettable year so far, terror attacks have occurred in the hundreds, both reported and unreported. We take a look at the acts of terrorism so far in 2016 Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 36 Cars burn at the scene, as 13 people were left dead and 55 injured

Armed police stormed the building in the early hours in Kanagawa Prefecture and emergency services rushed to the scene. The facility includes a swimming pool, gym, and a medical clinic that provides day-care services to people with disabilities. It is located near Camp Zama, a US army base home to more than 3,000 troops and their families. The knifeman had worked at the facility until February, when he had been fired, and staff say he may have held a grudge against the care centre.

GOOGLE MAPS At least 15 people have been killed in the attack in Sagamihara

The killer, who lived with his parents until they moved out four years ago, had trained to be a teacher and former colleagues said he was personable and good with children Those who live in Uematsu's neighbourhood, about a 10-minute walk from the crime scene, expressed disbelief at the brutal killings Next-door neighbour Akihiro Hasegawa said Uematsu was a "normal, nice boy" who always smiled and offered a greeting. He added: "This is unbelievable." Retiree Masae Mizoguchi said: "This kind of thing doesn't happen in Japan. It's unthinkable it happened so close to me." "These people were severely disabled, and they were asleep. That's why he was able to kill so many."

Japanese newspaper Asahi Shimbun also reports a Twitter account under the Japanese name "Satoshi" was apparently maintained by the 26-year-old, who posted bizarre messages about Japan being destroyed by AIDS and radiation poisoning. His last tweet was sent about 2.50am (local time) on July 26, shortly after an employee at the Tsukui Yamayurien facility had called the cops. It states: "May there be peace in the world." The words "beautiful Japan!!!!!!" were also tweeted in English. Japan's top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said there was no evidence to suggest the stabbing is connected to Islamist extremism.

REUTERS Police confirmed 45 were injured in the deadly attack