Covid lockdown protests break out in western China after deadly fire

Protesters in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang, blame restrictions for death toll of 10 in apartment block fire

Protests have broken out in China's far western Xinjiang region, with crowds shouting at hazmat-suited guards after a deadly fire triggered anger over their prolonged Covid-19 lockdown as nationwide infections set another record.

Crowds chanted End the lockdown," pumping their fists in the air as they walked down a street, according to videos circulated on Chinese social media on Friday night. Reuters verified the footage was published from the Xinjiang capital, Urumqi.