Japan's former Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, has been shot during a campaign speech.
The Daily Mail reports the ex-leader was in the western city of Nara when he was 'attacked from behind'.
Abe was reportedly seen holding his chest and collapsed onto the ground.
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Local media broadcaster, NHK, showed the moment security guards rushed to his side after the alleged shooing.
A witness told the outlet: "He was giving a speech and a man came from behind.
"The first shot sounded like a toy. He didn't fall and there was a large bang.
"The second shot was more visible, you could see the spark and smoke.
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"After the second shot, people surrounded him and gave him cardiac massage."
The shooter has been taken into custody.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno has released a statement clarifying what investigators know at the moment.
"There was a gunshot at 11.30am the police have arrested one man," he said.
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"Mr Abe’s condition is unknown.
"At the PM's office we have set a crisis management office.
"[Prime Minister Fumio Kishida] will be returning to PMO immediately.
"Cabinet members nationwide campaigning will be returning to Tokyo.
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"Such violence cannot be permitted and we oppose it strongly and we will take every measure possible. "
Topics: News
Stewart Perrie