In a bid to give its version of events in Tibet China has allowed a group foreign journalists to visit the Himalayan region. The Western and Asian reporters were invited to tour parts of the capital, Lhasa. But they were reportedly sceptical about being allowed to film and interview freely.

China blames separatists inspired by the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama, for causing the unrest. He denies the claim and has called for an end to street disturbances.

Chinese-owned businesses were destroyed in the violence and an unknown number of people were killed. Beijing puts the figure at 19 but the Tibetan 'government-in-exile' says about 140 were killed.

Up to now government restrictions have meant there has been little independent reporting from the region.

Protests against the situation in Tibet have been continuing in Dharamshala in northern India.

There have also been reports of fresh rioting in the neighbouring Qinghai province.