Man arrested following attack on Japanese

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has launched an investigation into an incident, which occurred at the commemoration ceremony of the 80^th Anniversary of the battle on Guadalcanal at Bloody Ridge today (on Monday 8 August).

The incident involved a local attacking a Japanese military man with a pair of scissors. The Japanese, who is the media person for the Japanese delegation to the commemoration, sustained injury as a result.

The attacker was arrested on the spot and is now in police custody.

Like any other public official programs, locals are not restricted from witnessing them. The attacker was one of the locals who joined and witnessed the service. The service was a peaceful and emotional program and it is unfortunate that this incident occurred, police say in a statement.

The police empathise to the Japanese Embassy in Honiara over this unexpected incident.

Police urged families who look after mentally ill family members to take good care of them and to ensure they complete their prescribed medical requirements.

Members of the public who are aware of the status of those who presented risks to the public are encouraged to help protect public safety.

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