Former Japanese PM Shinzo Abe has died

INTERNATIONAL DESK: Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died, according to Japan’s national broadcaster.

Abe, 67, who remains Japan’s longest serving prime minister, was shot while giving a campaign speech in the morning.

The suspected attacker – reported to be a man in his 40s – was tackled at the scene and arrested.

Shinzo Abe sustained wounds on the right side of his neck and left clavicle after being shot, Nara city Fire Department has confirmed.

Officials earlier said Abe was shot in the neck in chest, causing significant internal bleeding, and he was receiving a blood transfusion in attempts to save his life, his brother said.

Abe was shot at a political campaign event in western Japan earlier while giving a speech, and has been described as being in “grave condition”. (BBC)