Three killed in suspected arson attack at Japan cake shop

TOKYO — At least three people were killed in a suspected arson attack at a cake shop in central Japan, local media reported Sunday.

Two people were found dead after a fire broke out at the shop in Gifu prefecture on Saturday night, while a third person later died at a hospital, Kyodo News reported, citing local police.

Police are investigating the incident as a suspected case of murder and arson.

The fire occurred outside business hours at a two-story building housing both the cake shop and a residence.

The victims included the 66-year-old woman who owned the shop and two men.

At the time of the fire, the woman was hosting a gathering with 10 acquaintances inside the building.

Police suspect the person responsible for the fire was among those attending the gathering, according to Kyodo.