HUNDREDS of helmeted troops in riot gear swarmed the central square of the capital of western Xinjiang yesterday after ethnic riots left at least 156 dead.

Mobs of thugs roamed the streets attacking the vulnerable in Xinjiang’s capital today as riots that left more than 150 people dead degenerated into communal violence.

Police fired tear gas to try to restore order today as hundreds of Han Chinese armed with clubs marched through the Xinjiang capital of Urumqi, smashing shops and knocking over food stalls run by Muslims.