Car ploughs into crowd in Tokyo, 9 injured

Around nine people were injured, when a car deliberately drove into a crowd of New Year's revellers at Harajuku district here in the wee hours of Tuesday.

A 21-year-old, identified as Kazuhiro Kusakabe, has been arrested by the police and has since confessed to the gruesome attack, according to NHK World. He had first stated that it was an act of terrorism undertaken by him, later changing his reason behind carrying out the assault as a protest against capital punishment.

Amongst the injured, one university student is in critical condition. Investigations are underway into the unfortunate event, which occurred in the narrow Takeshita street in the district.

Harajuku is a popular district that is thronged by tourists and cosplay enthusiasts alike around the year. The district is usually crowded during New Year's time owing to the Meiji Shrine, which is another popular spot for revellers.