Four hurt in knife attack before horrified morning crowd

A 43-year-old man went on a stabbing spree during the morning rush in in Sai Ying Pun, wounding two people, a policeman and himself.

The suspect, believed to be mentally ill, spoke incoherently after he was subdued by policemen and was emotional as he was led away.

Public broadcaster RTHK said the man used a 10-inch knife in what appeared to be a random attack before horrified pedestrians.

Police said he knew none of his victims.

The incident happened at about 7:46 a.m. outside the Western Police Station in Des Voeux Road West when the man stabbed two unsuspecting passers-by.

His victims -- a man and a woman -- sustained wounds in the right forearm, and in the shoulder, waist and back, respectively.

Ten policemen, some with drawn guns, stood guard while other officers wrestled the suspect to the ground.

One of them was wounded in the hand during the struggle before they overpowered the suspect who suffered some injuries to his face.

The injured male pedestrian refused to be taken to hospital. The woman victim was brought to Queen Mary Hospital.

Police said they are investigating a motive for the attack.

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JP/RA