MANCHESTER, Jamaica — A manhunt has been launched for a man said to be of unsound mind after he allegedly used a hammer to physically assault a Chinese supermarket operator in Christiana, Manchester on Wednesday.

Police said about 10:00 am, the man got into an altercation with the Chinese businessman after he was accused of shoplifting.

In a video, which has since gone viral on social media, three men are seen in a tussle. Subsequently, a man believed to be the Chinese businessman managed to pin down the man said to be of unsound mind before letting him go.

Hours later, at about 1:16 pm, the man said to be of unsound mind reportedly returned to the scene and attacked the Chinese businessman with a hammer, delivering several blows to the neck before escaping.

The matter was subsequently reported to the police who revealed that at that time, both altercations were documented and investigations launched. The Chinese businessman has since been admitted to hospital.

Police said they have identified the suspect and efforts are underway to locate him.

— Kasey Williams