Three injured in Low Yat Plaza riot

At least three people were injured including a reporter when a large mob started rioting near Low Yat Plaza in Jalan Bukit Bintang, here shortly after midnight Sunday.

Police have opened two investigation papers under Section 147 Penal Code for rioting and Section 379 Penal Code for rioting and stealing.

Kuala Lumpur Chief Police, Datuk Tajuddin Md Isa said, those detained were from 22 to 25 years old. He said they were detained after they tried to engage in provocative acts during a gathering outside the plaza.

The incident broke out after midnight Sunday at an intersection of a hotel -- located near the plaza -- after a group of rioters started assaulting a victim using a helmet.

The scenario turned calm after the police arrived at the scene. The crowd dispersed about 12.40am.

Police personnel including the Federal Reserve Unit were closely monitoring the situation until 2am.

Police believed that the riot occurred following a fight involving seven men at Low Yat Plaza on Saturday, over the alleged theft of a smartphone.