Police have detained 75 suspects involved in the recent syringe attacks in Urumqi, the capital of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Police vow to continue their fight against further attacks to ensure public security.

The Xinjiang public security department cracked more cases of syringe attacks in Urumqi. They vowed to protect residents and maintain social order. Local authorities initiated an emergency plan to deal with the attacks and deploy adequate police power in communities and public areas. Meanwhile, a group of criminologists are in the region directing investigations.

Huang Yabo, Senior Official of Xinjiang Regional Public Security Department, said, "With police efforts and people's support, as of Tuesday, police arrested 75 suspects, cracked seven criminal rings and 36 cases related to the syringe attacks."

The 36 cases involved 16 in Urumqi, while the rest were in other cities across Xinjiang. Police say there are still a few more syringe attacks reported, so they will intensify the fight against the criminals.

Earlier this month, the city's public security authorities announced that police caught 45 suspects. Three of them were given heavy sentences ranging from seven to 15 years in jail. Some suspects confessed to attacking people to create panic in society.

Hundreds were stabbed by hypodermic syringes or needles in Urumqi in the past three weeks. The attacks triggered mass public anger. Tens of thousands of residents took to the streets earlier this month, demanding security guarantees.

Medical experts say initial tests on the victims found no traces of viruses or chemicals.

(CCTV September 16, 2009)