UN withdraws investigators from DR Congo massacre site

The United Nations has pulled its team of investigators out of an alleged massacre site in the Democratic Republic of Congo, because of fears for their security.

A team spokesman said a large crowd of demonstrators had surrounded their camp in Mbandaka, after local state radio called on the local population to protest.

Few police or security personnel were said to be on hand to control the crowd.The UN team only began its work in Mbandaka last week, following months of government obstruction.

It has complained of close government surveillance and demands by local people for money and food.

The UN is investigating allegations that thousands of Rwandan Hutu refugees were killed during the war to overthrow former President Mobutu.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service