INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Image copyrightAFPA small van has ploughed into pedestrians celebrating the new year on one of Tokyo's most famous streets.Nine people were
injured, one seriously, by the attacker who struck in the Harajuku fashion district shortly after midnight.The street, which was sealed off
to traffic, was packed with people heading to a shrine for New Year's prayers
The man driving the car fled the scene but was later arrested by police for attempted murder
The 21-year-old was identified as Kazuhiro Kusakabe.Police told broadcaster NHK that he initially told them he had conducted a terrorist
act, but then later claimed it was related to executions
It was not clear if he was referring to a specific execution or capital punishment in general.Image copyrightAFPTakeshita Street in Shibuya
ward is a popular shopping area known for its quirky fashion and youth culture
It also attracts international tourists in large numbers.NHK footage showed the van with a smashed front and paramedics carrying the injured
on stretchers into ambulances.Eight people were hit by the car with one of them, a male student in critical condition in hospital.A ninth
person was assaulted by the driver after he got out of the vehicle
