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North Korean man arrested over killing of Kim Jong Nam

Fourth arrest over killing of Kim Jong Nam in Kuala Lumpur
Fourth arrest over killing of Kim Jong Nam in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysian police have arrested a North Korean man in connection with the murder of the estranged half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Kim Jong Nam died this week after being assaulted at Kuala Lumpur International Airport with what was thought to be a fast-acting poison.

South Korean and US officials have said he was assassinated by North Korean agents.

Malaysian police said the latest arrest connected with the murder was made last night.

"He is suspected to be involved in the death of a North Korean male," according to a statement.

Two women - one an Indonesian and the other carrying Vietnamese travel documents - have already been arrested, while a Malaysian man has been detained.

At least three more suspects are at large, government sources have said.

Kim Jong Nam, the eldest son of the late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, had spoken out publicly against his family's dynastic control of the isolated, nuclear-armed North Korea.

South Korea's intelligence agency told politicians in Seoul that Mr Kim had been living with his second wife in the Chinese territory of Macau, under China's protection.

He had been at Kuala Lumpur airport to catch a flight to Macau when he was killed.

An autopsy is being performed at a hospital in the capital city.

North Korea said early this morning that it would categorically reject Malaysia's autopsy report, and accused Malaysia of "colluding with outside forces", in a veiled reference to rival nation South Korea.

Malaysia hit back by saying the country's rules must be followed.

Kim Jong Nam was assaulted at the low cost terminal of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Monday with what is believed to be fast acting poison before he could board a flight to Macau.

He sought help but died on the way to the hospital.

North Korea demanded last night that Kim Jong Nam's body be released immediately.

It had earlier tried to persuade Malaysian authorities not to carry out an autopsy.