• Knife and chemical attack injures 15
• 38-year-old attacker arrested on attempted murder charges

A man was arrested after attacking workers at a tyre factory in central Japan, leaving 15 people injured, according to authorities.

Eight people were stabbed, while seven others were injured after a chemical believed to be bleach was thrown during the assault.

The incident took place at a Yokohama Rubber Co. factory in the city of Mishima, Shizuoka Prefecture, west of Tokyo.

According to the Fujisan Nanto Fire Department, all eight stabbing victims were taken to hospital, five of them in serious condition.

The remaining injured workers were also hospitalized for treatment.

Shizuoka Prefectural Police said the 38-year-old suspect was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder.

Authorities have not disclosed his motive or whether he was employed at the factory.

Local media reported that the man was carrying a survival knife and appeared to be wearing a gas mask during the attack.

Investigators are examining whether the chemical used was bleach.

Emergency services responded quickly to secure the factory, while police began questioning the suspect and collecting evidence.

No further injuries were reported.

Yokohama Rubber’s Mishima factory produces tyres for trucks and buses.

The company has not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the incident.