Anger mounts over China's response to deadly car attack

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STORY: China's government faced mounting anger Wednesday over its handling of the deadly car attack there earlier in the week - and appeared to be taking steps to limit news of the incident.

On Monday, a man drove into a crowd at a sports center, killing 35 and injuring 43.

But the government took nearly a day to announce the death toll, and the incident has been little reported by state media.

Some online posts criticising the government's response, or questioning what the attack means for Chinese society, were rapidly removed by authorities.

Candles and flowers that had been laid at the scene on Tuesday evening at the sports center's west gate later disappeared.

A Reuters reporter on the scene said they were removed overnight.

The west side of the sports center was blocked with metal barriers and guarded by security.

Despite the efforts to clear the site, many kept dropping off fresh flowers on Wednesday morning.

“It was just a spontaneous feeling that I had (when I came to lay the flowers). Even though I didn’t know them personally, it felt like those time when I had family members pass away in the past. So I (kind of) understand that feeling, and this is my feeling.”

“We need to fundamentally improve the happiness of our people, to ensure equality for everyone. Also, there shouldn’t be extreme thoughts. Innocent people are involved here – but what did they have to do with anything?"

Local police have named the suspect as a 62-year-old man with the surname Fan.

He is being treated at a hospital for serious injuries after apparently stabbing himself following the attack.

Investigators say the incident was seemingly triggered by the man's anger over his divorce.

Chinese authorities on Wednesday called for 'full efforts' to treat those injured in the attack.