In a series of explosions at an open-air market in Urumqi, capital of China's restive Xinjiang province 31 people were killed and 90 injured.

Media reports said two cross-country vehicles ploughed into people in the market this morning and explosives were thrown out of the cars, one of which exploded.

Xinjiang, bordering Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Afghanistan, has been plagued by violence for years.

The region has witnessed riots between native Muslim Uygurs and Han settlers from outside the province.