Sudan gunmen ‘burning Abyei town’

The Sudanese town of Abyei, captured at the weekend by northern troops has been set on fire, with gunmen looting property, the UN says.

The town and surrounding area are claimed by both north and South Sudan, which is set to become independent in July.

The UN has urged the north to withdraw its forces from the area.

South Sudan’s secession follows decades of north-south conflict and some fear this dispute could reignite the war.