Mob Storms Albania Police Station, Frees 35 Inmates

Armed thugs stormed a police station in the northern town of Shkodra on Sunday, forcing policemen to retreat and setting free 35 people from police custody.

The mob then looted and set several buildings on fire, throwing out furniture, blankets and documents and burning them as well.

The violence in Shkodra, a poor town 85 miles north of Tirana, was reminiscent of mob scenes in the chaos last year that followed the collapse of investment schemes in which most Albanians lost their money.

Hours after the attack, local TV reported that the attackers, who wore face masks and had stolen money from a bank, left the wrecked police station. Shooting continued in the area.

The Interior Ministry said three policeman had been wounded.