An official stabbed to death in central China on Sunday night reportedly tried to force the suspect, a waitress, into having sex with him.

Police said the suspect, who was identified as Deng Yujiao, may suffer from depression as she always carried anti-depressant medication.

Deng Guida, the 44-year-old victim, was director of the business promotion office of Yesanguan Town in Badong County of Hubei Province.

Deng Guida's colleague Huang Dezhi was also wounded in the incident.

Deng visited an entertainment venue with Huang and another colleague about 7:30pm on Sunday after drinking alcohol, police said.

The three found Deng Yujiao and asked her if she offered "special services," which are normally understood to be sex services in Chinese.

Deng Yujiao said she was a waitress at a karaoke club upstairs and that she never offered such services.

Huang got angry and argued with the waitress.

She was about to leave when Deng Guida pulled out a thick wad of bank notes and then he pushed her on to a sofa.

She tried to escape but was again pushed down by Deng Guida.

She then pulled out a knife and stabbed Deng Guida three times and slashed Huang's right arm when he tried to help his colleague.

Deng Guida was pronounced dead en route to hospital. Huang was treated for minor injuries.

The waitress called police and surrendered.

(Shanghai Daily May 14, 2009)