Macau launches probe into tourist scuffle

The Macau government has launched an investigation into a three-way clash between a disgruntled tour group, their guide and police in the southern Chinese city, officials said Thursday.

The scuffles broke out between around 120 tourists from northern Hebei province and their guide after the visitors had been dumped on a beach without food because they had not spent enough money, media reports said.

The tourists surrounded a small group of policemen who were called to the scene, before another 20 officers dressed in riot gear arrived and broke up the clashes, the South China Morning Post said.

The Macau Government Tourist Office (MGTO) said it was investigating.

"MGTO will thoroughly investigate (Tuesday's) incident ... to determine whether any local travel agency or tour guide has infringed upon related legislation," a statement said.