This is the horror moment when a knifeman goes on a deadly rampage through a crowded street in Taiwan, leaving two people dead and several others in hospital. The terrifying attack happened outside the capital Taipei’s main train station at around 5.30pm local time (9.30am GMT) on Friday.

The attacker is thought to have blanketed the exit of the station with smoke bombs, releasing a thick, dense cover of smoke, causing some commuters to struggle to breathe. Witnesses reported hearing several muffled explosions near the exit of the station before orange smoke with a strong chemical smell poured into the transport hub.

Panic soon ensued, with several travellers reportedly screaming as dozens scrambled out of the station with mouths and noses covered.

One of the victims of the smoke grenade attack, a man in his 50s, was rushed to the hospital after suffering cardiac arrest, but despite efforts from paramedics at the scene, he was pronounced dead, according to local reports.

The attacker is then thought to have travelled to Zhongshan Station, where they brandished a large, long knife and began attacking commuters near the station and at a department store nearby.

During the rampage, the attacker is reported to have stabbed seven people, injuring three seriously.

The suspect, reported to be a 27-year-old Taiwanese man, jumped to his death after the attack and was pronounced dead at the scene.

One of the victims who was in the station at the time is reported to have rushed towards the attacker in an attempt to wrestle the blade from him, receiving stab wounds in the process. Local reports claim he is in a hospital in a critical condition.

No information has yet been given on the attacker’s motivation. The suspect is reported to have set fire to a train earlier that day.

According to local outlet SETN, two people died and nine more were injured in the tragic attack.

Police have raised a cordon around a large section outside of Zhongshan Station as they begin their investigation.

Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has announced that police presence has been increased following the incidents while Transportation and Communications Minister Chen Shi-kai has announced that emergency response teams have been established and security measures have been strengthened on transport.