Two women were pushed into the sea on Tuesday by an assailant who then jumped in himself and is missing. The incident took place in Xiamen, Fujian province.

The women, who were visiting the area, were not acquainted with each other or the attacker, Xiamen Daily reported on Wednesday.

The man approached them and said "let's work together in paradise" before pushing them, according to witnesses.

Rescuers managed to save the two women but the man refused to accept any assistance or grab the life belt that was thrown to him.

An investigation is under way.