"Prosecutors in Naples are investigating whether members of the local mafia are involved in protests against a new rubbish dump near Italy's third biggest city, a judicial source said on Monday.

Residents of Terzigno, a garbage-strewn town at the foot of Mount Vesuvius where the planned new dump is located, have staged a month-long protest, complaining of a foul smell and toxic waste.

Initially peaceful, the protests have turned violent over the past week, with demonstrators repeatedly clashing with police at night, throwing petrol bombs against garbage trucks and setting cars on fire.

The government promised swift action at the weekend, but the clashes have continued. Three youths armed with iron clubs were arrested overnight after they attacked two police cars, injuring a policema"

Laura Viggiano and Silvia Aloisi report for Reuters October 26, 2010. [2]