A resident of Xi'an, capital of Shaanxi province in northwest China, brought a lawsuit on Thursday against the city's public security bureau for its failure to ensure his safety during anti-Japanese demonstrations.

Members of the protest, on Sept 15, attacked Li, 51, because he owns a Japanese car.

A suspected attacker was arrested on Oct 2. The investigation is ongoing.

Li is claiming compensation from Xi'an's public security bureau on the grounds that it was responsible for ensuring the public's safety.

Xi'an Lianhu District People's Court has not yet formally placed Li's lawsuit on record. Under Chinese law it should be placed on record within 7 days of being filed or a reason must be given for its rejection.