TOKYO — Japan's former prime minister Shinzo Abe died in hospital after he was shot at a political campaign event, local media confirmed.

Abe, 67, was shot twice while he was giving a speech in the southern city of Kashihara, Nara Region, on Friday morning.

He was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital as he was bleeding.

Security officials at the scene tackled the gunman and the 41-year old suspect is now in police custoday.

Abe served two terms as prime minister to become Japan's longest-serving premier before stepping down in 2020 citing ill health.

But he has remained a dominant presence over the ruling Liberal Democratic party (LDP) party, controlling one of its major factions. — SPA/Agencies