Thugs attack shops in Pekanbaru

Thugs attack shops in Pekanbaru

PEKANBARU, Riau: Bristling with sharp weapons, dozens of hoodlums ran amok in the Sukaramai shopping center in the Riau capital of Pekanbaru on Saturday, smashing doors and windows in shops.

The rampage sparked panic among thousands of visitors who rushed to flee to safer areas outside the plaza.

"I got so frightened when I saw people running to escape. I joined them because I thought there was a bomb," Risma, a visitor, said.

She said that the thugs destroyed doors and windows of shops and other properties there.

It was not clear what triggered the violence that took place at around 2:15 p.m. But locals said that the thugs launched the attack as the development of the shopping center was stalled.

Police arrived minutes later and tried to arrest the hoodlums. --Antara