Muslims blamed for murders of Uzbek police

The Uzbek government has accused Islamic extremists of killing at least four policemen this month in the city of Namangan.

The news came as new details emerged of a gun battle ealier this week in which two policemen and one gunman were killed; another officer died of his wounds.

The authorities say they are pursuing what they call an armed Islamic cell.

Armed police have been deployed on the streets of Namangan -- which is a stronghold of traditional Islam -- and measures are being taken to protect families of policemen.

Killings began after a gang cut off the head of a senior policeman and stuck it on a fence.

Police have now arrested a man they say is an extremist, after detaining several hundred people, most of them devout Muslim.

The BBC Central Asia correspondent says the authorities -- who are deeply afraid of the power of the Mosque -- have blamed Muslim elements and, despite enormous efforts, have not so far managed to restore order.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service