Student arrested after spraying tear gas at Japanese high school

A high school student was arrested in western Japan on September 16 after tear gas spray was released inside a school in Osaka Prefecture, leaving 24 people with symptoms including coughing and sore throats, police said.

The spray was reportedly discharged inside a second-floor classroom at Osaka University of Commerce Sakai High School during a break, according to local authorities, Caliber.Az reports per Japanese media.

Police arrested a second-year male student at the scene on suspicion of assault.

The student was quoted by police as saying, "I sprayed it just for fun, but it turned into a big deal."

The Sakai City Fire Department said 24 students complained of symptoms including coughing and sore throats following the incident.

All those affected were conscious, and none was in life-threatening condition, according to the fire department.

By Sabina Mammadli