Chileans protest over foul-smelling pig plant

(AP) Chilean protesters have clashed with riot police in the country's north over the re-opening of a foul-smelling pig processing plant.

The Freirina plant in the Atacama region is one of Latin America's largest meat processing plants.

Many pigs starved to death in May when residents of the town of Freirina blocked access to the plant because of the smell.

The plant's recent re-opening has set off new protests. In Thursday's clash, hooded demonstrators set up barricades and threw rocks at police. Police say demonstrators also burned a security booth and a car.

At least three people are reported injured and eight have been arrested.

Mayor Cesar Orellana is urging health ministry officials to fly in to check hygiene at the plant in Freirina, which is 450 miles north of Santiago.