Police with the public security bureau of Zhenxiong County, Zhaotong City, shot the driver after he failed to stop at a market fair in Luokan Street at around 2:15 p.m., said a spokesman with the county's publicity department.

The driver, who injured three people, was taken to hospital but died despite medical efforts.

An investigation into his motive is under way.

The Public Security Bureau of Zhaotong later praised the policeman who shot the attacker.

Several cities, including Beijing and Guiyang, Guizhou Province, have stepped up security and tightened armed patrols on the streets after a string of violent attacks.