Su Qianxiao, 42, has been arrested for murder after he broke into the Chiling Primary School in Longtang Township, Xuwen County and attacked the children with a kitchen knife.

Huang Tianhao, 9, was killed and two 7-year-old girls and a 9-year-old boy were seriously wounded in the attack.

There were only four students at the school when the attack occurred at 5:30 a.m. The first class usually begins at 7 a.m.

The three injured children, one of which is in critical condition, are being treated in a county-level hospital.

Su, who was captured by local people after he attempted to kill himself by jumping from the school building, is receiving medical treatment in the same hospital. Local police officers say he was incoherent.

The primary school has closed and 40 students are attending class in an adjacent school.

Su, a villager of Chiling, was seen quarrelling with the parents of the victim a few years ago.

The police investigation continues.