The residents of an Indonesian village were left badly shaken yesterday after a violent incursion by wild monkeys left seven people injured.

According to the Jakarta Post, a troop of around 10 simians stormed Toddang Pulu in the district of Sidenreng Rappang, South Sulawesi, "entering homes and causing panic".

One 16-year-old lad was "badly bitten" during the assault, and required hospital treatment, AP reports.

The reason for the attack is unclear. Sidenreng Rappang spokesman Ambo Ella dismissed the idea that locals had damaged the animals' habitat in Toddang Lowa forest, some 7km from the village.

On the contrary, he insisted the To Lotang indigenous people in the area "still use the forest to hold their rituals", and AP says it's "protected" by this local tribe. ®

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