This probably hasnt made major news yet (it made the Guardian in the UK, a widely read paper, but probably only because they happened to have someone in Urumqi write to them at the time) - yes there were riots and severe clashes with police in Urumqi last night. Yes I was in the city, about a mile from the action; from 21 floors up in our hotel room we saw many official vehicles travelling to and from the site of the turmoil (ambulances, police, unmarked cars with lights flashing, fire engines and a troop truck).

This morning, after almost 11 months in China, 10 of which I spent in Urumqi with no civil upset whatsoever until last night, I left the city. We saw the remains of a smashed up coach outside our dining room at breakfast, which made for interesting scenery ... I am now in Beijing, uninjured, and heading to the UK tomorrow. Assuming they havent a vendetta against British Airways and are preparing a SAM surprise for when we pass back over Xinjiang, I should be home Tuesday afternoon (BST).

So, people, not that you were before, but don't worry!