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KOBE — Five men and women aged about 60 to 80 were apparently stabbed to death in Sumoto, Hyogo Prefecture, yesterday morning in a knife attack in two houses, police said.
A 40-year-old man living in the victims’ neighbourhood on Awajishima island was arrested in connection with the murders of the three women and two men.
Tatsuhiko Hirano (40), unemployed, admitted involvement in the alleged killings before being initially arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. Police have since changed the suspected crime to murder.
“My father and mother were stabbed,” a woman who lived in the area said during a 110 call to emergency services yesterday morning. Police found two women in the house and a man outside, all collapsed and bleeding. They were confirmed to be dead after being taken to a hospital.
Around 7:45 am (local time), a policeman questioned Hirano, who was near the scene. He admitted involvement in the crime and was arrested on the spot on suspicion of attempted murder.
“I won’t say anything until I have a lawyer,” said Hirano, whose clothing was bloodstained.
Shortly after, a man and woman who both appeared to be in their 80s were found dead in another house about 100 metres to the south of the house where the first victims were discovered.
Police believe Hirano is also involved in these deaths and will investigate in detail.
Hirano is believed to have posted a text with an unclear meaning criticising neighbourhood inhabitants on Twitter. — The Japan News.
Online Reporter