Rioting has broken out in Afghanistan’s southern province of Helmand following rumours that foreign troops had desecrated a copy of the Qur'an.

Hundreds of angry people took to the streets of Garmsir and at least six people were killed after shots were fired. Local authorities say Taliban insurgents were behind the trouble. The rebels are said to have spread the rumour and then opened fire on the protesters.

Both NATO and Afghan government officials deny that foreign troops desecrated a Qur'an. According to the rumours, the sacrilege took place on Monday during a raid on Afghan drugs dealers.

photo: Afghan soldiers in Garmsir (archieffoto Flickr / isafmedia)