Many innocent people caught up in the violence in Urumqi were lucky to escape thanks to the quick thinking of local residents.

Xu Dabo was taking her 4-year-old cousin home when the violence broke out.

Xu Dabo, said, "We heard people yelling and smashing windows behind us. We were scared. My cousin lives in the lane just over there. Even so, there seemed to be no time for us to get to her home."

As Xu and her cousin decided what to do, someone pulled them inside a gate.

Xu Dabo, said, "The staff of the Islamic institute took us in for shelter. They were very kind. They asked if we were thirsty or hungry. They told us not to worry as they had had people staying up through the night to watch the situation."

In addition to Xu and her cousin, the institute staff saved another 15 passers-by.

Mutalipu, Official, Xinjiang Islamic Institute, said, "After we took them in, we offered them food and accommodation. We wanted them to stay here, so they could pass the night safely."

At Xinjiang Arts Theater, where a dance contest was underway, a mob tried to break in from the outside. Nine people attacked were brought to safety by theatre staff.

Abudureyimu, Cecurity Guard, Xinjiang Arts Theater, said, "The victims were beaten and covered in blood. We took them in, and then shut the gate and all the doors."

The theater staff acted quickly. They put performers and audience different rooms in the building.

Zhang Jianxin, Official of injiang Arts Theater, said, "We put elderly people in the VIP room, where it is more comfortable. Over 70 students from an art school stayed on the second floor. Women and children stayed in the theater hall. We provided water and food to all of them."

The threat didn't subside until the next morning, 12 hours later. No rioters managed to break in, and no one was injured at the theater.

(CCTV July 10, 2009)