Six dead in South Korea crime spree

Six people were killed and seven other injured today in an arson and stabbing spree in South Korea, allegedly by a man said to be financially distressed.

Police said they arrested the 31-year-old suspect, identified only by his surname, Jeong, at the scene.

Officers said Jeong first set fire to his room in a motel-like residential facility in southern Seoul and stabbed other residents while fleeing the blaze.

They said five people were stabbed to death, and another died after jumping out of a window to escape the fire.

Four of the seven injured are in serious condition.

Jeong told police he committed the crime because he did not want to live. Police said the suspect was in financial difficulty.