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Killing of police officers sparked by wrongful arrest, report says

The man detained for allegedly killing six Shanghai police officers and wounding four people had not been awarded compensation after being wrongfully detained over a bicycle theft last year, a local newspaper said yesterday.

Yang Jia , who staged an attack on the Zhabei district police station on Tuesday, had demanded 30,000 yuan (HK$34,100) after district officers had detained him as the theft suspect, the Shanghai Daily said.

The police offered only half that amount, it said. An anonymous internet posting, which could not be confirmed, went further by claiming that police had beaten Yang while in custody, making him sexually impotent. Internet postings are an important source of news on the mainland, as the state controls the media.

Police have only released statements on the case with no further comment. The case has shocked many city residents, but a story of mistaken detention and police brutality might explain the killing spree.

The Shanghai Daily said Yang had visited Shanghai during the National Day holiday last October. He rented a bicycle near the main railway station, located in Zhabei district.

He was later detained on suspicion of buying a stolen bicycle. The bike he rented was believed to be stolen, but not by him.

Yang told police he made the attack out of revenge, the Shanghai Public Security Bureau said initially. However, 'it was the suspect's own confession and police are looking into his statement', a police spokeswoman was quoted as saying.

Internet postings claimed police had beaten and kicked Yang while in detention, causing him to seek medical attention after his release, and a doctor confirmed his injuries. Rights groups have pointed out that one of the faults of the mainland's justice system is the lack of channels to air grievances. Officials typically offer to compensate victims or families.

Yang apparently visited the Zhabei police station several times in his quest for compensation, which made him familiar with the building.

Authorities have increased security around the building, assigning armed riot police and security guards with batons, the Shanghai Daily said. Visitors must register and undergo security checks before entering.

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