Tribal clashes in northwest Tanzania have killed at least 12 people, with many others injured or displaced from their homes.

The fighting between the Kurya and Luo tribes broke out on Thursday, in the Rorya district, when Kurya cattle rustlers invaded a Luo village and stole some cows.

Local officials say many people have been seriously injured in the fighting, and that dozens of homes and properties have gone up in flames.

Police are in the area and have been collecting the bodies.

Tanzanian newspapers report the government plans to send a larger force to the region to restore security.