Protesters pelt UK embassy as Iran row worsens

[Flabbergasted]

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/1/worldupdates/2007-04-01T204708Z_01_NOOTR_RTRJONC_0_-292877-4&sec=Worldupdates

By Fredrik Dahl
TEHRAN (Reuters) - Iranian protesters hurled stones and big firecrackers at Britain's embassy in Tehran on Sunday in a worsening crisis over 15 detained British naval personnel.

No one was hurt by the small explosive devices, which went off with loud bangs and sent clouds of smoke rising from inside the compound. About 100 demonstrators chanted: "British, British, death to you, death to you."

Iran's capture of the 15 sailors and marines has drawn international criticism but Tehran has ignored calls to release the 14 men and one woman, saying Britain must admit they illegally entered Iranian waters.

London insists they were in Iraqi territory when seized.

One witness counted eight blasts from the embassy compound. Demonstrators, who scuffled with police, included members of the Basij, a hardline religious militia. Protesters called for the embassy to be closed down.