国内英语新闻:Chinese police ordered to increase security to deter school attacks

BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- China's police forces nationwide were ordered Saturday to step up security of kindergartens and schools after a spate of violent attacks against school children.

An emergency circular issued by the Ministry of Public Security also called for harsh punishments of criminals who attacked school children in order to deter potential attackers.

It ordered all necessary measures be taken against school attackers in accordance with the law to stop a crime in progress.

The ministry instructed police to work with courts and prosecutors to handle such cases swiftly.

Police must also work with education authorities to comprehensively screen all campuses and their surrounding areas for security risks.