Two dead and 16 injured after knifeman attacks schoolchildren at Japan bus stop

At least two people have died and 16 more injured after a knifeman shouting "I will kill you" attacked a group of schoolgirls at a bus stop in Japan.

Authorities and media in Japan said a knifeman attacked people - including 13 children - as they lined up at a bus stop in Kawasaki City, just outside Tokyo.

The suspect carried a knife in each hand as he attacked a group of schoolgirls, an eyewitness said.

An official at the Kawasaki city office told AP that 16 people, most of them schoolgirls, were wounded.

Three of the injuries were serious and 13 others were not life-threatening.

Local media said the attacker, in his 40s or 50s, died from a self-inflicted cut to the neck after the attack, however this was not confirmed by police.

The NHK national television report, quoting police, said the victims were rushed to nearby hospitals, but one child and two adults are among those dead.

NHK added the suspect was among those dead.

No other details about the man's identity and motives are known.

Television footage showed emergency workers giving first aid to people inside an orange tent set up on the street, and police and other officials carrying the injured to ambulances.

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe described the fatal stabbing spree as "harrowing", adding he was outraged and would take all necessary measures to protect children.

Abe, who has been hosting Donald Trump while he visits the Asian country, said: "It was an extremely harrowing incident in which many small children were victimized, and I feel strong resentment... I will take all possible measures to protect the safety of children."

Trump, who appeared on stage with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, said: "I want to take a moment to send our prayers and sympathy to the victims of the stabbing attack this morning in Tokyo.

"All Americans stand with the people of Japan and grieves for the victims and their families."