Mexican police clash with locals in town known for fireworks

MEXICO CITY – Residents of a Mexican town that has suffered frequent fireworks explosions scuffled with police who tried to raid illegal fireworks workshops.

The Mexico State prosecutors’ office said residents of the Mexico City suburb of Tultepec fired powerful bottle rockets from rooftops and pelted police with stones on Thursday to prevent the raids.

Television footage also showed them beating and kicking at least one policeman.

Townspeople have attacked journalists and emergency personal in the past to defend what they perceive as attacks on their local industry.

On June 6, a fireworks blast killed eight and injured seven at a home in Tultepec. Almost a month later, a series of warehouse explosions killed 25 and hurt at least 49.