Four killed during Thai riot

Security forces fired shots in the air and used water cannons and tear gas to disperse about 2,000 angry Muslim youths rioting in Thailand’s troubled south today.

At least six people were killed and 12 injured, police said.

A protest to demand the release of six detained security guards turned violent with demonstrators hurling rocks at a police station in Narathiwat province’s Takbai district and overturning a military truck.

The rioters then tried to storm the building and a nearby district office. Police and soldiers responded by firing water cannons and tear gas, while shooting in the air to scatter the rioters.

A police officer said at least four people were killed in the violence.