Violent clashes on Easter Island

Published: 8:59PM Saturday December 04, 2010 Source: Newstalk ZB

Twenty-five people have been injured in clashes between Chilean police and locals on Easter Island.

Police fired pellets as they moved in to evict locals who have occupied buildings on the Chilean island since earlier this year.

The locals, from a Rapa Nui group, say the buildings were illegally taken from their ancestors several generations ago.

Officials say 17 police and eight locals were hurt when the early morning operation got under way.

A number of people were arrested and at least one flown to the mainland for medical treatment.

However the Rapa Nui say 23 of them were injured, three seriously, when police opened fire with rubber bullets and tear gas at close range.

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