Boy beaten in random bus attack

A man who savagely beat a young boy on a bus has been detained in what authorities are calling a random act of violence, local media reported on Saturday.

The victim, a 14-year-old surnamed Jin, suffered multiple bruises and psychological trauma after he was suddenly attacked while riding a bus in Yongjia county, Hubei province in early May.

Surnamed Xiang, the suspect confessed to beating the middle school student for two minutes while warning other passengers not to intervene.

The man said he had been drinking earlier, and was under strain of financial hardship.

That, combined with the pressure of caring for his sick mother and a desire to purchase a home, compelled him to lose his temper and strike Jin, who was seated next to him.

When the bus driver attempted to stop the attack, Xiang threatened he was carrying a knife.

After the attack, Jin rushed off the bus, leaving behind his school bag. Xiang faces charges of "picking quarrels and provoking troubles."