Riot breaks out in S'pore boys' home

Riot breaks out in S'pore boys' home

SINGAPORE (DPA): Fourteen teenagers were hospitalized after a riot broke out at a Singapore boys' home, reports said yesterday.

At least three riot police vans were sent to Clementi Boys' Town after fighting broke out about 8 p.m. Wednesday in one of the home's residential blocks, the Straits Times newspaper said.

Most of the boys in the block had a history of serious offenses, including gang-fighting and theft.

Juvenile crime is relatively rare in Singapore, a wealthy city-state known for its strict laws, safe streets and strong family values. But authorities have recently expressed concern over the growing number of teens involved in crimes, particularly gang-related fights.