China riot over demolitions

China's official Xinhua news agency has said up to 400 farmers rioted in the city of Shenzhen when law enforcers tried to demolish their homes.

The farmers attacked the officers with bricks and spades, and took one of them hostage.

It was the second such disturbance in a week.

Correspondents say the Chinese government has acknowledged widespread anger over the demolition of old homes in the name of development.

However, they say that with the anniversary of the suppression of pro-democracy demonstrations in 1989 approaching, the government is keen to stop local disturbances from growing into larger protests.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service