27 arrested after Little India riot in Singapore
Government says instigators will face 'full force of the law' as 400 people riot after Indian worker was hit by a bus
Police in Singapore have arrested 27 South Asian suspects after a riot broke out on Sunday evening in Little India, officials said in a dawn press conference.
About 400 people clashed with about 300 police officers, in a riot that was sparked by a fatal accident where a 33-year-old Indian worker was run over by a private bus.
At least 10 police officers were injured and several vehicles were damaged, including five police cars and one ambulance, during the riot, which happened at around 9.30pm. More arrests will be made, according to Commissioner of Police Ng Joo Hee.
“We treat this incident very seriously, and we have classified the chaos as one of rioting with dangerous weapons. We will spare no efforts to arrest who are involved,” the police said.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said those responsible for the riot would face “the full force of the law”.
“Whatever events may have sparked the rioting, there is no excuse for such violent, destructive and criminal behaviour,” Lee wrote on his Facebook page. “We will spare no effort to identify the culprits and deal with them.” He urged Singaporeans to “stay calm”.
The bus accident happened at the junction of Race Course Road and Hampshire Road. The bus driver was injured and remained in hospital.