Police in the northern city of Hai Phong say they have arrested a prime suspect in the murder of a woman and three children last weekend.

The arrest of Doan Trung Dung, 45, was made 9:00 pm local time on Monday.

Dung is accused of killing 61-year-old Nguyen Thi Hat and her three grandchildren – aged three, eight and nine – at their house in the nearby province of Quang Ninh on Saturday morning.

According to state-run Tuoi Tre newspaper, Dung admitted to the crime in his initial statements, confirming that he was high on crystal meth.

It also reported that Dung, who is Hat’s in-law, came to the house and asked for some money to buy drugs.

During the past two days, security along roads in the city have reportedly been monitored strictly.

Further investigation is underway.

– with other agencies