Mon Aug 15, 2011 1:40AM GMT
Chinese residents display banners against Fuija Chemical Plant in Liaoning province on Aug. 14, 2011.
Chinese authorities have ordered immediate shutdown of a chemical plant after thousands of Chinese joined a protest to call for the relocation of the plant.
Protesters in the northeastern city of Dalian were demanding the removal of the chemical factory over pollution fears, AFP reported.
About 12,000 people took to the streets on Sunday and scuffled with police, throwing bottles of water at them. There has been no report of injuries.
The demonstration comes days after a storm breached a dyke protecting the factory, sparking fears of a toxic chemical spill.
The damage to the chemical site forced authorities to immediately close down the plant and evacuate residents living nearby.
The chemical factory in Dalian makes a flammable liquid, which is used in the production of polyester films and fabrics.
SS/MB
Posted in: NEWS
