Nguyễn Cao Bằng in custody. — Photo nld.com.vn

TÂY NINH — A 45-year-old man was taken into criminal custody on Tuesday after allegedly stabbing three members of the same family at a small roadside eatery in the southern province of Tây Ninh.

Nguyễn Cao Bằng, a resident of Tây Ninh's Hậu Thạnh Commune, was detained on suspicion of murder following a manhunt that lasted more than five hours. Officials confirmed his arrest on Wednesday.

The attack occurred around 6pm on Tuesday when residents in Hậu Thanh heard screaming coming from a house that also operates as a small restaurant.

When neighbours rushed to check, they found two women dead at the scene with multiple stab wounds: H.T.Đ., 70, and her daughter M.T.T.T., 41. A third victim – N.G.B., 22, the daughter's son – was found critically injured nearby.

Despite being rushed to the hospital, he died en route.

Scence of the crime. — Photo nld.com.vn

Investigators identified Bằng as the ex-husband of M.T.T.T. and cited a personal dispute between the two as the likely motive.

According to initial findings, Bằng had been drinking before the attack, then armed himself with a knife and went to the restaurant. After the assault, he abandoned the weapon at the scene and fled into the surrounding area.

Upon receiving the report, the Provincial Police of Tây Ninh immediately cordoned off the scene and launched a coordinated search-and-apprehension operation. Bằng was arrested after more than five hours on the run.

Further investigation is ongoing. — VNS