Road rage in Malawi

Demonstrators have clashed with police in northern Malawi during a march to demand a new road.

Reports say about 5,000 people were involved in the protest, to call for a link between the isolated Chitipa district with the rest of Malawi.

The protestors accused police of firing tear gas and rubber bullets on a peaceful march.

They said a 10-year-old girl had died after choking on tear gas.

A Malawi police spokesman said they had acted to break up the demonstration because the marchers had no permit.

He accused the demonstrators of then going on the rampage, damaging a car and looting shops.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service