Singapore, Dec 9 (IANS)

Around 400 South Asian migrant workers staged violent protests in Singapore's Little India neighbourhood following the death of an Indian national in a bus accident Sunday.

The riot in Little India, which is known for its Indian culture, broke out Sunday evening after a private bus hit the 33-year-old Sakthivel Kumaravelu, reported Today Online.

Kumaravelu had worked for scaffolding company Heng Hup Soon for about two years, the report said, citing The Straits Times.

The accident happened near Tekka Centre in the neighbourhood, following which the protestors turned violent.

Five police vehicles and several private vehicles were damaged. An ambulance was also set on fire.

Some 10 police officers also were injured in the riot, a rare occurrence in Singapore over the past four decades.

Police have arrested at least 27 people in connection with the incident.

According to police, they did not fire a single shot during the riot.

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Monday that it was "a very grave incident", reported Xinhua.

"Whatever events may have sparked the rioting, there is no excuse for such violent, destructive and criminal behaviour," Lee wrote on his Facebook page.

"We will spare no effort to identify the culprits and deal with them with the full force of the law," he said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Home Affairs Minister Teo Chee Hean said the government "will not tolerate such lawless behaviour", urging people to stay calm and not to speculate on this incident.