Toddler decapitated in apparently random killing in Taiwan

TAIPEI — A 4-year-old Taiwanese girl was decapitated in an apparently random killing outside a subway station in the capital, according to Taiwanese media reports.

The victim, surnamed Liu, was with her mother and headed to a metro station to meet up with relatives when she was attacked, according to a police statement. 

Focus Taiwan quoted Mr Yang Kun-ming, head of the investigation unit of the Taipei City Police Department’s Neihu Precinct, saying that the suspect — identified by his surname, Wang — had grabbed the child from behind and decapitated her with a cleaver.

The girl was with her mother, who was unable to prevent the attack. "The girl's mother rushed forward to pull Wang away, but he was stronger and pushed (her) aside," read the police statement. "She died on the spot."

The incident took place shortly before noon. Apple Daily reported the child’s mother saying that when the 33-year-old suspect appeared near her daughter, she thought he was trying to help the child whose bicycle had been stuck.

The man was subdued by passersby and residents in the area, who then called the police. He is currently in police custody. He has yet to enter a plea. 

The police did not specify the victim's age, however, local media reported that the girl was 4 years old. 

Hours later, an angry crowd gathered outside the police station where Wang had been taken, some brandishing baseball bats in apparent preparation for an attack on the suspect.

The government-run Central News Agency said the 33-year-old Wang had an arrest record for drug crimes and had been treated for mental illness. Taiwan's Apple Daily reported that Wang was unemployed and living with his parents and had been hospitalised due to mental health issues. 

Taiwan's outgoing President Ma Ying-jeou called on authorities late on Monday to conduct a thorough investigation into the murder, while police island-wide were instructed to increase patrols of neighbourhoods.

Violent crime is rare in Taiwan. AGENCIES