Planet of the Apes: Monkey 'Army' Raids Indonesian Village Injuring Seven

A wild mob of monkeys has attacked a village in Indonesia leaving seven people injured.

The monkeys went on a rampage through the Toddang Pulu village in eastern Indonesia, entering houses and attacking people.

One out of the seven injured is in a critical condition. Ambro Ella, a spokesman for Sidendeng Rappang District in South Sulawesi province, said a 16-year-old boy had been badly bitten and was being treated in hospital.

He said it was a surprise attack and that there were about 10 monkeys involved.

Officials think the mob came from a forest nearby that is protected by a local tribe.

Why the monkeys attacked the village is unknown - they are normally afraid of humans and run away when they are approached.

Authorities have launched an investigation into what prompted the rampage.

Ambo said the animals had not been forced out of their natural habitat after it was damaged by locals, the Jakarta Post reported.

Loss of habitat has been cited as a reason for a recent rise in monkey attacks in the Congo.

In October last year, reports emerged that chimpanzees had been attacking locals after war forced them to leave their territory, prompting them to view humans as a threat.

Local media reports suggest as many as ten people have been killed and 17 injured by chimps in the war torn region of eastern Congo.

In June last year, a two-year-old girl was attacked by five chimps. She died in hospital from her injuries a few days later.

Klaus Zuberbuhler, a psychologist at the University of St Andrews in Fife, UK, and scientific director of the Budongo Conservation Field Station in Uganda, told New Scientist the Congo attacks were a form of revenge.

"It may be a more general sign of mistrust and antagonism, which is regularly seen in chimp sanctuaries and other captive facilities," he said.