Burma: Japanese reporter's body sent home

The body of a Japanese journalist who was killed during the pro-democracy uprisings led by monks in Burma, has been returned home.

Kenji Nagai, 50, was shot dead when the military opened fire on a group of protestors in the country's former capital Rangoon.

Burmese officials say Mr Nagai was killed accidentally despite footage smuggled out of the country appearing to show the reporter being shot at point-blank range by a soldier.

An autopsy of the body will be carried out at a hospital in Tokyo.

Japan sent an envoy to Burma earlier this week to try to ensure a full investigation into Mr Nagai's death and it has been reported that Japanese police will investigate the case on suspicion of murder.

On Wednesday, Japanese officials said the government may suspend some 500 million yen (£2.1 million) in aid to Burma.

Two weeks of mass anti-government protests led by Buddhist monks ended last week when soldiers and police enforced a bloody crackdown on demonstrators.

It has been reported that scores of monks are trying to leave Rangoon, following the violent clashes.

Meanwhile, more footage has been smuggled out of the country, showing Burmese people giving their accounts of violent arrests and beatings.

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