Over ten people have been confirmed dead after an attack on a hospital in southwest China.

"The incident occurred at a local hospital and as of 1:20 pm (0520 GMT)... more than 10 people have been wounded or killed," state news agency Xinhua said.

PHOTO | COURTESY police

According to the report, the incident occurred in Zhenxiong County, northeast of southern Yunnan province, and officials are investigating.

Mass violent crime is uncommon in China, where residents are not allowed to carry guns, although there has been an increase in stabbings in recent years.