Former prime minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, has died following the assassination attempt on him at a campaign rally on Friday.

Abe was shot in neck and chest from behind while speaking at a rally in Nara. It is reported Abe was airlifted to a hospital, where he went into cardiac arrest upon arrival. Despite resuscitation attempts, the former prime minister passed away on Friday evening.

Abe is said to have died of blood loss following the shooting.

The suspect has been identified as a former Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and is now in police custody.

World leaders have expressed shock and sorrow at the passing of Japan's longest-reigning prime minister.