Cricket: Fans turn to violence

Police fired tear gas to disperse violent spectators after bad weather forced the fifth one-day cricket international between India and England to be abandoned without a ball being bowled yesterday.

Missiles were thrown on to the pitch, advertising hoardings set on fire and policemen attacked with water bottles and bamboo poles after play was called off because of overnight rain and poor ground conditions.

Thousands of fans grew restless as a wet outfield diminished hopes for even a truncated game.

India hold an unassailable 4-0 lead in the seven-game series.