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Page last updated at 17:18 GMT, Thursday, 15 May 2008 18:18 UK

Police charges in Karachi burning

Pakistani police say they are bringing charges against a mob after three thieves were set alight in broad daylight in central Karachi.

Witnesses said the three men were killed by local people after being caught trying to rob an apartment.

Karachi, Pakistan's largest city, has a high crime rate with dozens of car snatchings and robberies every day.

The incident comes amid rising public anger over the police's failure to improve security.

"We have registered a case against the mob," Police Superintendent Ameer Sheikh told journalists.

"They have been charged with setting the bodies on fire."

So far no-one has been arrested.

Mr Sheikh said the police had shot the three men dead in Wednesday's incident and that the mob then burned the bodies.

But locals dispute that, saying the three men were cornered by the mob who burned them to death.

Karachi is Pakistan's most dangerous city, with many people being killed in violent crimes.


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