Three North Koreans believed to be army deserters killed three Chinese citizens in the border city of Helong last week, a Chinese media reported Wednesday.



The Beijing News, citing a statement issued by a verified Weibo account of the propaganda department of Helong, said a manhunt has been under way.



The incident took place on Friday just across the Tumen River dividing China and North Korea, according to the report. South Korean public broadcaster KBS reported the incident on Tuesday night.



The Beijing News report identified the victims as a 55-year-old surnamed Chao, his 26-year-old daughter and a 67-year-old Sun.



China's foreign ministry was not immediately available for comment.



On Dec. 28, a North Korean army deserter killed four Chinese citizens during a robbery in Helong, prompting Beijing to lodge a rare diplomatic protest with Pyongyang.



China has beefed up its border patrols since then.



It has not been uncommon for North Korean soldiers or citizens to cross the border into Chinese towns and attempt robberies in search of food. (Yonhap)