140 people have been killed and more than eight-hundred injured during violence in Urumqi, the capital of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. That's according to Xinjiang Public Security Department, which says the death toll is likely to climb.

Local government authorities say a separatist group masterminded Sunday's violence, aiming to sabotage the country.

Rioters took to the street of Urumqi on Sunday evening.

They began by gathering, marching and demonstrating which then culminated in violent acts.

An initial investigation shows the violence was masterminded by the separatist group -- World Uyghur Congress.

The group is led by Rebiya Kadeer -- a former Chinese businesswoman.