A demonstration against undocumented migrants in South Africa turned violent on Thursday in the port city of Durban, resulting in the arrest of one foreign national and injuries to at least five Congolese nationals, including two children, according to a community leader.

The protest came amid weeks of escalating tensions over irregular migration across the country. At least four foreign nationals have been killed in the violence, while more than 200,000 people have reportedly fled South Africa.

Police said about 100 members of an anti-illegal migration group took part in what they described as a clean-up campaign targeting an encampment housing several hundred foreign nationals outside a government office.

Many of the migrants, most of them from the Democratic Republic of Congo, moved to the location about 13 weeks ago, seeking protection from groups of South Africans campaigning against undocumented migrants.

According to police, violence broke out when stones were thrown during the confrontation. One stone allegedly thrown by a foreign national struck a police officer, leading to the arrest of the individual.

Bishop Raphael, a Congolese community leader, told newsmen that the protesters arrived at the camp and immediately attacked those sheltering there. Raphael said police used stun grenades to disperse the crowds, leaving five Congolese nationals injured, including two children.