Violence broke out in Taungdwingyi, Myanmar's central Magway region Sunday night, forcing the security forces to disperse the mob with shields, Myanmar News Agency reported Monday.

A group of mob of about 50 threw stones and destroyed some houses and shops on Mayway-Taungdwingyi road in Taungdwingyi and approached a mosque at 08:05 p.m. local time which was guarded by the police.

Later at 9 p.m. local time, another group of mob numbering about 70 who were holding catapults and stones, gathered north of the mosque and drew about 400 onlookers, causing tense situation.

Failing to persuade the mobs to disperse, the security forces broke them up with shields, the report said.

Police arrested a stone thrower and and investigation is underway to expose other perpetrators.

The army joined the security forces and police to control the situation, warning to take action against agitators for causing the disturbances while urging people to live in peace under law.

The violence coincided with recent series of extremist terrorists' attacks in Myanmar's northern Rakhine state.

source: Xinhua