4 children killed in hatchet attack on daycare center in Brazil: Police

By Bala Chambers

BUENOS AIRES (AA) - Four children in Brazil are dead Wednesday after a hatchet attack on a daycare center in the southern state of Santa Catarina, according to police.

The attack took place early Wednesday at the Cantinho Bom Pastor daycare center in the Velha neighborhood, according to the G1 news outlet.

One suspect was arrested after surrendering to police in the city of Blumenau.

Three boys and a girl between 5 and 7 years old were killed after the 25-year-old suspect entered the daycare center with a hatchet.

Two boys and two girls injured in the attack have been taken to the hospital.

Authorities are investigating and trying to determine if there are additional suspects.

Parents gathered at the daycare center after learning about the attack, with G1 describing the atmosphere as "desperate."

By 10 am all remaining children were out of the premises.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva offered condolences and prayers to the families of the victims and the Blumenau community.

"There is no greater pain than that of a family which loses its children or grandchildren, even more so in an act of violence against innocent and defenseless children," Lula wrote on Twitter.

​​​​​​​The attack comes less than 10 days after a school in Sao Paulo was attacked by a teen student who stabbed and killed a teacher and injured three others.