People protest against syringe attacks in Urumqi

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People gathered on Thursday at a number of sites in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region to voice their anger against a recent string of syringe attacks.

They called for authorities to guarantee their security. The city quieted down late Thursday night, after local authorities imposed traffic controls on major streets. Meng Lingqi has more.

Police say people gathered in the residential quarter of Xiaoximen around 11 in the morning.

People also gathered at the Beiyuanchun farmer's produce market at 10:30 am, 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 throughout Urumqi.

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 Aug.17.

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.

Downtown streets in Urumqi were back to normal on Thursday night, after traffic controls were imposed on major streets.