A man deliberately ploughed an SUV into a crowd at a public square killing nine in southern China.

Shocking and graphic video, filmed in Hengyang City in Hunan Province today (September 12), shows a large number people fleeing and several injured people lying on the ground at a square.

Video also shows police apprehending the driver and dragging him along part of the square.

According to reports, he got out of the car and stabbed people with a weapon.

All the injured people were sent to hospital for treatment, according to reports.

At least nine people died and 46 had injuries, local media said.

The 54-year-old suspect had served several prison sentences for convictions including arson and assault, it has been reported.