RIO DE JANEIRO, Oct. 16 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's military police clashed with striking civil police officers in Sao Paulo Thursday afternoon, leading to a shooting and at least 23 people were injured.

    The conflict started when at least 500 civil police officers, who have been on strike for a month, decided to protest in front of the Bandeirantes Palace, the state government building, and were stopped by the military police.

    Officials said the turbulence occurred after the strikers were informed that Sao Paulo State Governor Jose Serra would not meet them to negotiate a 15-percent wage rise.

    The injured included a cameraman from a local TV station and one of the strike leaders.

    Dozens of police cars, as well as buses, were used to prevent the strikers from reaching the Bandeirantes Palace. Tear gas bombs were also thrown at the strikers.