Thousands of rioters used axes, chains, stones and iron bars to attack police, smash local government offices and set fire to cars after a protest in western China went out of control.
From later on in the same article…
Provinces around the country are reporting a surge in strikes, alongside other stand-offs as laid-off factory workers protest over unpaid wages.
The clashes in Wudu, a part of the city of Longnan in the poor province of Gansu, began on Monday. Longnan is not far from the border with Sichuan, the heart of the earthquake zone.
Residents living in temporary shelters after their homes had been demolished to make way for a government development project were joined by thousands of others.
They had been promised the new development would improve local living standards, but that was thrown into doubt when it was confirmed the local government was itself relocating elsewhere.
By Tuesday, crowds had grown to 2,000 according to state media, and several times that according to witnesses, who said a fire engine sent to put out fires started by the protesters was itself hijacked.
Hand-to-hand fighting followed as police used tear gas to try to disperse the crowds.
There have been many riots in China. But they seem to be growing more common. At this rate they will be a real issue soon.