Taiwan police are seen at the crime scene where a 4-year-old girl was killed on Monday, March 28, 2016. [Photo: sohu.com]

The beheading of a 4-year-old girl in Taiwan has sparked new calls to make greater use of the death penalty on the island.

33-year old Wang Ching-yu is accused of attacking the girl as she and her mother rode their bike to a subway station in Taipei on Monday.

Witnesses say Wang appeared to target the girl at random, then decapitated her with a knife after fending off her mother and other bystanders.

He reportedly has a history of drug abuse, and apparently sought treatment for mental illness at one point.

The suspect himself was attacked by a mob on Tuesday as he was transferred by police to a court hearing.

The grizzly attack has prompted supporters of capital punishment to argue that life sentences are not sufficient to prevent such acts.

Lawmakers in Taiwan are due to review a bill on Thursday which would ensure that those convicted of killing children under 12-years old are given the death penalty.