At least four children killed by axed attacker at nursery

The attacker turned himself in to the authorities

The 25-year-old arrived preschool in Blumenau, Santa Catarina, Brazil on a motorbike before jumping over a wall and entering the building.

Video footage showed emergency services arriving at the preschool as parents consoled their children while another angle appeared to show bodies underneath sheets in the playground.

Four children are believed to be dead and the suspected attacker has turned himself into the authorities since the attack, police have said.

They are now also trying to work out if more than one person was involved in the attack.

G1 have reported that the three boys and a girl aged between five and seven sadly died. A fifth is reportedly in a serious condition in hospital and another four have been taken to Santo Antonio Hospital. 

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva described the attack as a "monstrosity" and an "unacceptable, absurd act of hate and cowardice" against "innocent, defenceless children."

Santa Catarina state's Gov. Jorginho Mello confirmed on Twitter meanwhile that three days of mourning would take place in the city.

He said: "It is with immense sadness that I received the terrible news that the Good Shepherd preschool in Blumenau was invaded by a murderer who attacked children and employees.

"Unfortunately, four were killed."

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