DHAKA: China has deployed armed police patrol vehicles in Beijing after three attacks at transport hubs around the country.

The 150 vehicles are tasked with ‘countering street terrorism and fighting severe violence’, state-run Xinhua news agency said, reports the BBC.

Petrol purchases would also be tightened, with buyers required to register with police, reports said.

The move follows station attacks in Kunming, Urumqi and Guangzhou, and comes before the Tiananmen anniversary.

Xinhua said the armed police patrols would be stationed at major road junctions and manned by at least nine police officers and other assistants.

They would cover an area of 3km and would be required to respond within three minutes, Xinhua added.

Meanwhile, those buying petrol would have to explain their intentions in a move that aimed to prevent the use of gasoline ‘to create disturbances’, People’s Daily newspaper said.

BDST: 1250 HRS, MAY 12, 2014