Rioting broke out Sunday in the Zambian mining town of Luanshya after police removed around 1,000 illegal miners that invaded a Chinese copper mining unit.

Police in Copperbelt province arrived around 1 AM and initially asked the illegal miners to peacefully leave the mine premises.

-However, they mobilized outside the mine and began blocking access roads, burning tires and throwing stones, causing a threat to the public- police spokeswoman Esther Katongo said in a statement.

She said they went on a rampage and looted three betting machines at a nearby market.

-Police dispersed the riotous mob using tear gas and five suspected ringleaders were arrested and are in custody- she added.

Katongo said police had brought the situation under control and were keeping increased vigilance in the affected area.