PALMA RACE RIOTS

However, tensions between the local Nigerian and ethnic gypsy communities in the area are always tense and the Nigerian section apparently blamed the gypsies for the young man's death and this sparked a massive running battle between the two communities which lasted until 4am and resulted with at least five people being arrested.

The situation then appeared to calm but, as it eventually became clear that the Nigerian's death was an accident and no third party was involved, attention turned to the police with the Nigerian community calling for justice and revenge for the death of their friend.

And, at 10am, the police came under attack again.
Over night, at least 30 vehicles were damaged as were a number of shops and waste bins torched.
According to police sources, a mob of at least 100 people confronted the security forces which were forced to use tear gas and rubber bullets to protect themselves and contain the situation which lasted for about three hours yesterday morning before some law and order was restored on the streets of Son Gotleu.

Further arrests were being made as the police mounted a full investigation into the disturbances and watched video footage of the clashes.
In one statement, the police were told that a gypsy was seen throwing the Nigerian from the fifth floor.
But, according to police sources, the victim grabbed hold of a pipe when he tried to climb between the balconies and it gave way, sending him plummeting to the ground.

But, while detectives tried to get to the bottom of the disturbances, the area was being cleaned up and reopened to traffic within a police ring of steel which remained at the scene throughout the day in the event of the clashes kicking off again.

Just after lunch, sources say, there was an air of “tense calm” over Son Gotleu and warned that violence could erupt again at any minute.
The police have made it clear that they will not be withdrawing from the area until they have total confidence that there will be no more rioting.
The main concern is that the clashes will spark up again tonight and police are ready and prepared.
This is not the first time the two communities have clashed in the area.