Death in police custody sparks riots near Algiers

ALGIERS, Mar 5: Hundreds of Algerians went on a rampage today, looting and burning a state bank outside the capital Algiers and clashing with security forces after a youth died in police custody, residents said.

Several protesters and riot police were injured in the clashes which followed the death of the young man at a police station in the coastal town of Zeralda, some 35 km west of Algiers, they said.

No details were available about the circumstances of the death of the young man and government officials were not immediately available for comment.

Police used tear gas to disperse the angry rioters who set fire to a bank after looting it. The rioters threw stones at police and attempted to attack more public buildings, the residents added.

Sporadic riots erupt across the North African country to protest social problems, including acute housing shortage and unemployment.

The government says it is investing billion over the next five years to improve standards of living, boost growth and modernise infrastructures.

REUTERS