Punches and kicks were exchanged, rocks and Molotov cocktails thrown, and water hoses used in a strugglebattle over the leadership of ancient Chogye order,

Dissidents were waiting for the attackers

About 1,000 shaven-head supporters of the former leader Song Wol-ju from around the country had gathered in Seoul to hold a rally and try to win back control of the Chogye Temple, the headquarters of the sect.

The demonstration turned violent when the Song supporters streamed into the complex in an attempt to recapture the building held by the dissidents.

Waiting for them were around 100 heavily-armed rivals wearing masks and helmets, hurling rocks.

Witnesses say at least 10 monks were taken to hospital with head injuries.

About 5,000 riot police stood by, but a police spokesman said they would not intervene unless the violence got out of control.

The fighting lasted for several hours, watched by thousands of riot police and onlookers.

Clash over leader

The incident was the latest in a series of clashes between the two factions of the Chogye order - South Korea's largest sect - which traditionally espouses Zen meditation and steers clear of politics.

Stones and firebombs were used as weapons

Violence erupted earlier this month after Mr Song announced his intention to stand for a third term of office.

The sect's constitution restricts the office of Most Venerable Monk to two terms, but Mr Song and his supporters argued that he had not served his full terms because of time he spent abroad following disagreement's with the former government.

Reformist monks accused Mr Song of corruption and launched what has become a violent purification campaign.

The scheduled elections were postponed and last week Mr Song renounced his candidacy.