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08:15 GMT, Monday, 19 May 2008 09:15 UK

In pictures: Johannesburg violence

A policeman stands by the body of a man killed in Johannesburg. Photo: 18 May 2008

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Twelve people have been killed in South Africa's city of Johannesburg since Friday in a wave of attacks against immigrants, officials say. WARNING: Readers may find some of the following images upsetting.

A policeman tries to help a man who was set alight in Johannesburg. Photo: 18 May 2008

A policeman tries to help a man who was set alight in Johannesburg. Photo: 18 May 2008

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At least two people were burned and three others beaten to death by mobs armed with guns and machetes.

A wounded Mozambican national is treated in Johannesburg on 18 May 2008

A wounded Mozambican national is treated in Johannesburg on 18 May 2008

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Some 50 people were taken to hospital with gunshot and stab wounds.

An immigrant (left) carries his possessions to be escorted out of Johannesburg in a police van as a crowd jeers

An immigrant (left) carries his possessions to be escorted out of Johannesburg in a police van as a crowd jeers

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Most of the attacks happened in run-down areas of South Africa's economic capital.

A crowd runs in Johannesburg on 18 May 2008

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Angry rioters accuse foreigners - many of them from neighbouring Zimbabwe - of taking scarce jobs and housing and fuelling the crime.

South African policemen fire rubber bullets in Johannesburg on 18 May 2008

South African policemen fire rubber bullets in Johannesburg on 18 May 2008

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Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas to prevent armed thugs from attacking foreigners and looting their property.

A police officer detains a man in Johannesburg on 18 May 2008

A police officer detains a man in Johannesburg on 18 May 2008

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A number of people suspected of being involved in the attacks were later arrested.

A policeman patrols outside a church in Johannesburg on 18 May 2008

A policeman patrols outside a church in Johannesburg on 18 May 2008

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Hundreds of foreigners also took refuge in churches and police stations, amid fears of further violence.

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