'Smog police' in China to clampdown on pollution choking Beijing

A new squad of environmental police has been set up to battle the heavy smog polluting the Chinese capital, Beijing.

Acting mayor Cai Qi said it will target illegal burning, including open-air barbecues and rubbish fires, according to the state-run Xinhua News Agency.

Mr Cai also wants to cut coal consumption by 30% this year, shutting down 500 higher-polluting factories and upgrading 2,500 others.

And from next month, around 300,000 high-pollution vehicles will be restricted from entering the city.