Thousands flee gang violence in east Timor

Tens of thousands of East Timorese fled their burning capital, Dili, or sought refuge in churches, embassies and at the airport today as gangs terrorised neighbourhoods virtually at will. Foreign peacekeepers dispersed some militants, who quickly regrouped.

The United Nations evacuated hundreds of employees, while its special representative in Dili said more international peacekeepers may be needed to restore order in the capital.