Death toll from Indian clashes rises to at least 538

Officials in India have said at least 538 people are now known to have died in a week of Hindu-Muslim violence in the state of Gujarat.

Further killings were reported in the towns of Halad and Dantha last night and officials said the violence has now spread to the state of Uttar Pradesh, where three people were killed.

The clashes started last Wednesday when a Muslim mob set fire a train carrying Hindu activists campaigning for the construction of a temple on the ruins of a 16th century mosque.

Hindu mobs took immediate revenge, burning Muslims alive throughout Gujarat state, torching Islamic businesses and rioting through the streets.

The authorities have claimed the violence is now under control.