SHIJIAZHUANG - Seven villagers were murdered shortly after midnight on Friday in North China's Hebei province, said local authorities.

A statement from the government of Quyang County said the seven residents of East Pangjiawa Village were killed at 12:05 am by a man surnamed Pang.

An initial police investigation found Pang, from neighboring West Pangjiawa Village, died after being hit by a car. He had a financial dispute with one of the victims.

Details about the case remain unclear and further investigations are underway.