Urumqi syringe attacks raise crowds' indignation

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The city of Urumqi in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has quietened down after protests on Thursday. Crowds took to the streets to voice their anger against a recent string of syringe attacks.

Police say the protests started late Thursday morning when more than a thousand people gathered in the residential quarter of Xiaoximen. Around the same time, people also gathered at a farmer's produce market after a man was caught for allegedly stabbing a five-year-old girl.

Later, a crowd of more than ten thousand moved to other major streets and sites throughout the city. Regional officials held talks with public representatives during the afternoon, and told crowds to stay calm and show restraint.

Police say attacks with syringes against innocent people have been reported since August 17th. The regional health department says more than 470 people have sought treatment for the attacks. No symptoms of infectious diseases or toxic chemicals have been found. Local police have detained 21 suspects. Among them, six have been formally charged and four are awaiting criminal prosecution.