Taiwan: Several injured in attacks at metro stations

Authorities in Taiwan have said that at least nine people have been injured in a smoke grenade and knife attack in the capital, Taipei. The perpetrator is thought to have killed himself to escape arrest.

Taiwanese authorities say that at least nine people were injured Friday, four seriously, in a smoke grenade and knife attack at metro stations in the capital, Taipei.

The perpetrator is thought to have jumped to his death from a nearby building after the attack in which a smoke bomb was detonated and pedestrians attacked.

What we know so far

Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an said Friday that the perpetrator had thrown smoke grenades at the city's main train station before boarding a subway train, which he rode for one stop, before exiting and throwing more smoke grenades.

Passersby scrambled for safety at both sites as the man then proceeded to slash at pedestrians with a long knife as he ran from police.

Police say several individuals were not only injured in the knife attack, but also by the smoke grenades.

Taiwanese Premier Cho Jung-ta on Friday said authorities are looking into the suspected perpetrator's background, calling the attack "a deliberate act," adding that police had increased security at Taiwan's train and subway stations.

Cho said the suspect had been wearing a mask and threw "five or six gasoline bombs or smoke grenades" at Taipei Main Station metro.

This is a developing story, please stay tuned for more…