School attackers will be dealt with mercilessly: China

In the wake of recent assaults on school children that has claimed many lives, China today said police will deal "mercilessly" with any future attackers on them and will not hesitate to use guns.

Spokesperson of the Ministry of Public Security also promised to address the deep rooted social divisions that were largely perceived to be reason for the "social revenge" attacks on schools.

"If offenders dare to attempt such crimes again, the police will enforce the law firmly without hesitation, in line with the Criminal Law and police code of using guns and other weapons," Wu told a press conference.

His comments came as a 48-year-old man killed seven children and two women at a kindergarten in northwest China's Shaanxi Province Wednesday, and then committed suicide.

It was seventh such attack targeting schools since March this year.

Police will conduct a "thorough" inspection of schools and nurseries, especially private ones and those in rural and remote areas, to close security loopholes, Wu said.

Local police have been asked to find every possible security threat and patrol around schools more frequently, he said.

In Beijing, police will patrol around school compounds ten minutes before students go to school and ten minutes before they are dismissed, official Xinhua news agency reported.

Schools are required to tighten security checks, with support from the police.

Wu called all citizens to be aware of possible attacks and report suspects to the police.

"We will also work to help solve disputes, and provide psychological counselling for people suffering mental problems," he said.

Meanwhile, prime minister Wen Jiabao said the government would address the deep seated problems that were driving people to murderous attacks.

"We should not only strengthen security measures, but also address the issue of deep-seated reasons," he told Hong Kong-based Phoenix TV in an interview .

"We are making serious efforts in tackling social tensions, settling disputes and improving local governments' ability to smooth things out," he said adding that the incidents are very unfortunate and he felt very sad.

"In addition to robust security measures, we have to note that we have to solve deep-rooted problems, including social conflicts, resolve disputes and enhance the role of grassroots mediation. We are trying to create a harmonious, secure environment, not only for children, and for everyone and we will be able to do this," he said.