© Yuriko Nakao/Reuters
Artificial wave pool at Tokyo Summerland in Akiruno, Japan
An unidentified assailant has cut eight young women with a blade at a pool of the Tokyo Summerland water park. All women sustained minor injuries and were hospitalized, while police say the attacker went unnoticed in his actions.
The eight women, all aged between 19 and 23, were swimming in a busy pool when the attacks took place. According to police, cited by local media,
an unidentified male would allegedly swim towards the women and, unnoticeably, cut them lightly with some sort of cold blade, aiming for the women's buttocks.
According to the Tokyo Fire Department, all women were transported to hospital after reporting their cuts, and are currently receiving treatment. The department notes that none of their injuries are life-threatening. Security forces are currently at the scene attempting to determine the circumstances of the incident.
It is reported that the assailant fled the scene. Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has launched a search operation and is investigating the case. The identity of the man is unknown, as are the motives behind his actions. Police is also trying to determine how the man could enter the premises with a blade unnoticed.
The incident took place at the Tokyo Summerland water park in Akiruno, one of the capital's suburbs. It's one of the largest water parks in Japan, with two pools - indoor and outdoor - and is a popular recreation facility for families and young people during the summer months. It is traditionally rather crowded, especially on weekends.
Comment: More on the modern day slavery problem.