Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Asia Wire Report

WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT

Video Credit: AsiaWire

This is the moment a student protest descends into chaos when four cops are set alight as pained screams can be heard amid the panicked scenes.

The incident took place outside the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) in the town of Cianjur in the south-western Indonesian province of West Java as students protested the poor quality of education in the region.

According to local media, someone in the crowd threw a plastic bag filled with flammable liquid towards a group of police officers which ignited with a burning tyre they were trying to extinguish.

Pictures Credit: AsiaWire

The bag reportedly exploded over four cops and one of them is hospitalised in a serious condition with 80 percent burns to his body.

The officer, named Erwin, is being treated at the Kramat Jati Police Hospital in the capital Jakarta.

The burn injuries to the other three cops were less severe and they are being cared for at Sayang Cianjur General Hospital.

Hospital director Ratu Tri Yulia told local media: “The other victims [suffered burn injuries] of about 40 percent. We will offer the officers our best service.”

National Police spokesman Dedi Prasetyo confirmed that 30 protesters have been arrested during the chaotic demonstration.

Reports said that unless one or more of the officers die, the suspects could face charges of assaulting a police officer causing bodily harm which can be punished with up to eight years in jail.

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