The Chinese Ministry of Education issued a circular after Monday's kindergarten arson attack in Henan Province ordering a clampdown on illegally run kindergartens, and urging the reinforcement of security measures and on-campus management in all schools and kindergartens.

The circular was issued in response to an arson attack on Monday on a kindergarten, which was reportedly run illegally by the local people of Shiguan Village in Gongyi City.

The suspected-arsonist, 19-year-old Bai Ningyang, was caught on Tuesday. He reportedly broke into a classroom where 21 children were having class, locked the door and set fire to the classroom with gasoline.

Two children, aged 5, died at the scene, and another one died later in hospital. 14 others, including the teacher, suffered severe burns and nine of them are in a critical condition.

According to the circular, security guards must be on high alert and on-campus patrols should be intensified to prevent similar incidents.

The ministry also suggested that schools and kindergartens cooperate with local public security departments and communities in information exchange and implementing emergency plans.

(Xinhua News Agency May 11, 2006)