Dozens injured in Easter Island clashes

At least 25 people have been injured on Easter Island following clashes between local protesters and Chilean police.

The clashes occurred after police attempted to remove indigenous inhabitants from buildings they had occupied earlier this year. The local Rapanui people claim that the buildings were stolen from their ancestors by the Chilean government and they were taking them back.

Easter Island was annexed by Chile in 1888 after a treaty was signed between the Chilean government and a Chilean appointed king. The validity of this treaty is contested by locals.

The attempt to remove settlers began after midnight. According to government officials, 17 police officers and 8 civilians had been injured. However, local witnesses claim that 25 civilians had been injured and denied that any police officers were wounded. At least one civilian had to be airlifted to Chile for medical treatment. Another demonstrator was arrested.

According to the Rapanui, police used tear gas, plastic bullets and pellet guns. It is claimed that a number of people were shot at close range and that at least one person was shot in the eye with a buckshot pellet from less than a metre away. A local lawyer, who was also involved in the protest, said that he believed the police were "shooting to kill" and claimed that he saw officers shooting demonstrators in the back as they fled.

The tiny island has a population of around 4,000 people. 3,500 of these are indigenous Rapanui while the rest consist of Chilean settlers. The protesters said that they would continue their occupations until the buildings and lands which were illegally taken from their grandparents were returned to them.

The Chilean police have confirmed that they are sending reinforcements to the island.