Yangon: At least nine people were killed by ethnic Rakhine residents in western Myanmar on Sunday, an official said, in an apparent sectarian attack in a region affected by simmering religious tensions.

"We heard nine people were killed by ethnic Rakhine residents in Taunggote town this evening. We do not know the details yet," a Myanmar government official told AFP, adding that some of the victims were thought to be Muslims visiting Rakhine State from central Myanmar.

Local residents, speaking to AFP by phone, said the recent rape and murder of an ethnic Rakhine girl had stirred sectarian suspicions in the area. AFP was unable to reach local police to confirm details of that case.