Clashes over Naples rubbish site

Most injuries occurred overnight but two police were hurt in the morning, trying to remove a bus being used as a barricade near the site in Chiaiano.

The site is one of 10 approved by the new government in a bid to end a crisis over uncollected rubbish in Naples.

Some fear the proximity of the dump could affect local people's health.

The situation in Chiaiano remains tense with residents appearing determined to resist the use of a local stone quarry as a landfill, the BBC's David Willey reports.

Thousands of tonnes of uncollected rubbish have been lying in the streets of Naples and surrounding towns since Christmas, creating a health hazard.

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi announced tough new measures earlier this week to try to solve the rubbish crisis.

But his decision to call in the army to help is causing discontent, with the military saying it is not their job to take up shovels and guns against the wishes of Neapolitans.

'Vulnerable population'

Demonstrators hurled stones and tried to set a bus on fire on Friday night.

Police baton-charged the crowd in response, making at least three arrests.

On Saturday morning, a petrol bomb was reportedly thrown at police as they tried to move the bus.