Argentinian city looted as police strike

The violence in Cordoba began on Tuesday night and continued yesterday, with shop windows being shattered, mobs stealing goods, street robberies and vigilantes arming themselves to protect their homes.

More supermarkets and a mobile television van recording the violence were attacked as officers and provincial authorities began negotiations to end the strike.

Hospital authorities reported one shooting death and more than 100 injuries, mostly from shattered glass.

Governor José Manuel de la Sota said before going into negotiations that 56 people had been arrested.

He said has offered a 52 per cent pay increase of 12,600 pesos a month, which he called “the best salary for police in Argentina”.

The Governor also described the strike as a police response to his decision to close 140 brothels that had been providing extra income for corrupt officers.