URUMQI, July 29 -- Dozens of civilians were killed or injured in a terrorist attack early on Monday morning in Shache County, Kashgar Prefecture, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, local police said.

A gang armed with knives attacked a police station and government offices in Elixku Township, and some moved on to the nearby Huangdi Township, attacking civilians and smashing vehicles as they passed. Dozens of Uygur and Han civilians were killed or injured, according to the local police.

Police officers at the scene shot dead dozens of members of the mob.

Thirty one cars were vandalized, including 6 which were set on fire.

Initial investigation showed that it was an premeditated terror attack. Further investigation is underway.