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BANGKOK. – The number of victims of an attack on a children’s institution in Thailand yesterday, in which a former policeman used rifles and cold weapons, has risen to 38, law enforcement authorities have said.

The officials noted that the gun used by the assailant was acquired legally. At the same time, the largest number of dead children received stab wounds rather than gunshot wounds.

The Washington Post reported that most of the children were asleep when the attack began because it was quiet time.

At the same time, 10 more people were listed as injured, half of whom were in serious condition.

The former officer, aged 34, was sacked in June for drug use.

After the attack, the assailant fled the crime scene in a white pickup truck, which was later found completely burnt near his home. When police arrived at the house, they discovered that the man had committed suicide after killing his wife and child.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha offered his condolences to the families of the dead and wounded. He also ordered an accelerated probation into the causes of the incident.

Headteacher Nanticha Panchum said the attacker’s son attended the centre but had not been there for a month.

There were usually more than 90 children at the school, but just over 20 were present yesterday due to bad weather and a school bus breakdown. – BBC.com