The United Nations police force received orders to withdraw from the northern part of the Kosovo town of Mitrovica, following a severe outburst of violence on the morning of March 17 2008, world news agencies reported. Control was left to Nato's Kosovo Force (KFOR). The area is inhabited by a Serbian majority.

At 5.30am on March 17, United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo's (UNMIK's) police and Nato's KFOR started an operation to regain control over UNMIK's court house. The building had been occupied by protesting Serbs since March 14.

Serbian broadcaster B92 quoted Beta news agency as saying that the troops had arrested the protesters and tried to take them away, but a large group of Serbs had blocked the road and started throwing stones. The soldiers threw tear gas and shock bombs in response.

According to Beta, the Serbian crowd managed to stop two vehicles and set some of the arrested Serbs inside free.

However, the rioting soon spread to other parts of Mitrovica. Bombs were thrown and vehicles, including of some belonging to KFOR and UNMIK, were set on fire, Tanjug news agency reported, as quoted by B92.

Three UN police officers and two Nato soldiers were injured in an explosion.

According to B92 sources, up to 30 international soldiers and police officers were injured. Three Serbs were also in serious condition. A further 70 people were treated for minor injuries.