30 people have been charged with terrorism after 22 people died in a violent outbreak in the northern town of Kumanovo, Macedonia.

Eight police officers are among the dead.

"The suspects have been accused of terrorism, jeopardising constitutional order and security," the prosecutor's office said, adding that some were also charged with "illegal possession of arms and explosives."

Interior Ministry spokesman Ivo Kotevski told a news conference that the gunmen were led by ethnic Albanian former rebel commanders from Kosovo, which broke away from Serbia in war in 1999.

Mr Kotevski said no civilians were reported killed. Many had fled, carrying their belongings in bags.

A police spokesperson said the area in the northern town of Kumanovo was "under police control."

The police said 37 police officers were injured in the fighting.

Sporadic gunfire today subsided by early afternoon and flat-bed trucks towed away several lightly-damaged armoured vehicles.



The events will deepen concern in the West over stability in Macedonia, where the government is under pressure over allegations by opposition Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev of illegal wire-tapping and widespread abuse of office.

Protesters, demanding the resignation of conservative Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, clashed with police last week and the opposition is threatening to rally thousands on 17 May.

Western states are pressing Mr Gruevski to investigate the allegations against his government, which he says have been concocted by foreign spies.

Foreign political analysts and western diplomats fear political leaders on either side might try to stoke ethnic tensions.

An estimated 30% of Macedonia's two million people are ethnic Albanians.

Western diplomacy ended a 2001 conflict with a peace deal offering the Albanian minority greater rights and representation.

Macedonia has been promised integration with the European Union and NATO, but progress has been blocked by a long-running dispute with Greece over Macedonia's name.

Many citizens, regardless of ethnicity, are frustrated at the slow pace of development and integration with the West.