It is not clear whether the bodies found in a pit are those of the missing students, who were last seen being forced into police vans.

 

The group had travelled to the area, in the state of Guerrero, to take part in a protest over teachers' rights. 

 

Police opened fire on their buses, killing² six people. 

 

Twenty-two police officers are being held in connection with the shooting.

 

Witnesses said the most of the survivors³ - all trainee⁴ teachers - were bundled into police vans before disappearing.

 

Some had gone into hiding and contacted their relatives after several days, still fearing for their lives.

 

 

It was thought initially⁶ that 44 students, not 43, had gone missing. They had been taking part in a protest over job discrimination against rural teachers.

 

Iguala lies about 120 miles (200km) south of the capital Mexico City. The grave was discovered on Saturday, following an anonymous tip, local media reported. 

 

It is not known exactly how many bodies it contains. Guerrero state prosecutor⁷ Inaky Blanco said forensic⁸ experts were trying to identify the victims.

 

Some of the relatives of the missing students had joined the search, knocking on doors and handing out pictures of their loved ones.

 

State prosecutors⁹ said local officials and police officers could have links with criminal gangs operating in Guerrero state.

 

Arrest warrants have been issued for the mayor of Iguala, Jose Luis Albarca and his security chief who are both considered fugitives¹⁰ from justice and may be involved in the violence. 

 

Mexico correspondent Will Grant says the incident has highlighted the extent of the collusion between criminal groups and officials in much of the country.

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