Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been killed in an assassination attempt

 Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has died after being injured in an assassination attempt.

The French news agency AFP quoted local media as saying that the incident took place in the Nara area on Friday morning while Shinzo Abe was there in connection with the election campaign.

A report by local channel National Broadcaster NH said that a 40-year-old man was arrested after the attack and weapons were also recovered from his possession.

According to reports, the former prime minister was present at the ceremony held in connection with the Upper House elections on Sunday. There was a sudden firing during his speech.

An eyewitness told NHK that "a man approached her from behind while Shinzo Abe was speaking."

He added: "The first shot sounded like a cracker and he stood up, but the second sound was very loud and people saw sparks and smoke."

A source from the ruling Liberal Democratic Party told GG News that Shinzo Abe, 67, was bleeding from his neck when he was seen falling.

NEHK and Kyodo say Abe was taken to hospital, where he died shortly afterwards.

According to media reports, he was shot in the back with a shotgun.

The Japanese government has said a task force has been set up to investigate the incident, while government spokesmen will speak to the media soon.

Shinzo Abe has been Japan's longest-serving prime minister.

He emerged as a supporter of economic reform in his time.

Shinzo Abe first became prime minister in 2006 at the age of 52.

His tenure was tumultuous, with several scandals following which he abruptly resigned.