Suspected arson kills 4 in S China

Four people, including two children, were killed in a suspected arson in south China's Guangdong Province early on Thursday, local police said.

Fire broke out around 2:10 a.m. in a roadside store in Chang'an Township of Dongguan City, according to the police.

Firefighters rushed to the scene at about 2:17 a.m. and pulled two trapped children out 13 minutes later. The children were then sent to a local hospital.

Ten minutes later, two adults were rescued and hospitalized, according to the police. The fire was put out around 2:40 a.m.

All four died in hospital after rescue efforts failed. It is not known if the victims were from the same family.

Police said they suspect the fire was an act of arson after interviewing witnesses and checking surveillance video.

Further investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.