The statement gave no details on why Huang had not been put in custody earlier and how he was able to return to the police station with a knife.

VIVEK RAMASWAMY RAMPS UP PRESIDENTIAL BUZZ, LAYS OUT VISION FOR THE COUNTRY WITH IMMINENT 2024 DECISION

Violent crime is relatively rare in China, where private gun ownership is forbidden and police have wide-ranging powers to hold suspects.

Knife crime is more common, however, particularly among suspects with mental health and addiction problems. Police in remote districts are also less well trained, poorly armed and often rely on auxiliaries and part time security guards to boost their numbers.

One of the officers who was fatally stabbed was a part-timer.