The United Nations says at least 600 people have been killed and nearly 1000 people injured in tribal clashes in the new country of South Sudan.
The trouble occurred on Thursday in Jonglei state and a UN team has been sent there.
Jonglei Governor Kuol Manyang Juuk said on Friday that the fighting started in Bier sub-county.
He said Murle tribe members were suspected of attacking five villages of the Lou Nuer tribe in Bier. He said cattle had been stolen and some women and children abducted.
South Sudan became independent from Sudan on 5 July to much international fanfare, but diplomats have expressed mounting concerns about stability in the country and tensions with Khartoum.
