Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was shot and taken to hospital today morning (8) during a political meeting in western Japan.

 The 67-year-old former world leader is receiving hospital treatment and the situation is said to be uncertain.

Japanese media outlet Kyodo said he was unconscious and suffering from cardiorespiratory failure.

Japan’s NHK reports that a suspect is being detained and questioned in connection with the incident.

The suspect is reported to be a 40-year-old Irishman. Former Japanese Prime Minister Abe was shot during a speech at an election campaign meeting in Nara, western Japan. An eyewitness told NHK that he heard what sounded like gunshots and Abe collapsed bleeding

The incident took place at 11.30 am Japan time (8.29 am Sri Lanka time) on Friday.

 An NHK reporter at the scene said they heard two explosions in quick succession during Abe’s speech. The former prime minister comes from a political family and stepped down from the post after announcing his decision to resign after developing a chronic illness.

He is also recorded as the longest-serving prime minister in Japan.