At least three people died and 15 others were injured in a knife attack incident at a supermarket in China's Shanghai city, media reports said.

The incident happened at a time when China was gearing up to celebrate its National Day holiday week.

The victims were rushed to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.

The remaining injured are not in life-threatening condition, according to a statement from Shanghai police on Tuesday morning as quoted by The South China Morning Post.

The attacker was identified as 37-year-old Lin.

He was arrested and an investigation into the incident has been initiated.

This is the latest stabbing incident reported from the country.

A 10-year-old Japanese student was stabbed in Shenzhen last month.