Police officers rescue a four-year-old girl after shooting dead a man who held her hostage yesterday afternoon in downtown Shanghai. The abductor was shot to death at the end of a seven-hour standoff when he waved a knife at the girl.At about 2:50 pm, police received an emergency call saying that the man, who was described as probably mentally unstable, was holding the girl hostage in a KFC outlet on Wuning Road in Putuo District. The girl, who did not appear to suffer any injury, was taken to hospital for a check-up and counseling.[China Daily]

A police officer carries a four-year-old girl after shooting dead a man who held her hostage yesterday afternoon in downtown Shanghai. [Xinhua]

Chinese police officers prepare to rescue a four-year-old girl held as hostage in downtown Shanghai, June 6, 2007. [Xinhua]

Chinese police officers stop a man, whose four-year-old daughter was held as hostage, in downtown Shanghai, June 6, 2007. [Xinhua]

Chinese police officers wheel the body of a man who held a four-year-old girl as hostage in downtown Shanghai, June 6, 2007. [Xinhua]