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Clashes broke out over fuel and power shortages in the summer heat of Basra. The 50C temperatures are stifling

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Iraqi crowds threw rocks and stones at soldiers sent to try to quell the rioters, sick of queuing for petrol and cooking fuel

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At one point an estimated 2,000 protesters were on the streets in several areas of Iraq's second city

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Troops used rubber bullets to "calm the situation"

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At least one vehicle was set alight and several tyres burnt

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Several Iraqis were reportedly hurt in the melee

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Seven British soldiers were hospitalised for "big bruises and some cuts", said a military spokesman

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British troops attempted to get clerics to calm the situation down, but did not have much joy

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But any major clashes were eventually diverted and none of the injuries were reportedly serious

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British soldiers have not faced frequent attacks in Basra, but patience is wearing thin, say correspondents