Timika – Four people were wounded Tuesday when Indonesian police opened fire on hundreds of people in Papua province during a protest against alleged police violence.

Officers began shooting when about 300 angry residents tried to break into a police post in Timika, on the southern coast of the rugged eastern territory. At least four people were shot in the legs during the incident.

The violence was fueled by anger over the death earlier Tuesday of Timika resident Simor Fader, who was allegedly shot by police Sunday during a scuffle in a bar. "Police should investigate this shooting incident," a protester said.

Timika police chief Godhelp Mansnembra has denied that police shot Fader, and has launched an investigation.