Two people, including a foreigner, have died after a man went on a rampage with a knife in Beijing on Wednesday.

The attack occurred near a shopping mall in Chaoyang district's Qingnian Road about 5 pm.

Both victims were stabbed and died at the scene, the Beijing Public Security Bureau said on Sina Weibo.

The suspect, identified as Xiao, 27, from Yishui county, Shandong province, was detained. Police said he may have a mental illness.

Authorities are trying to contact the families of the victims, according to the Sina Weibo post.