THE protest delayed a planned meeting between the homeowners and the developer to discuss compensation.

Government officials who attended the meeting said they could only guarantee payments to owners of units in the building that fell, the Shanghai Daily reported.

Buyers of apartments in the development's other buildings have also sought refunds because they fear the entire complex is unsafe. The report said compensation awards would be announced in the coming days.

The building fell because piles of dirt were excavated to build an underground parking garage, according to initial investigation results reported on Friday.

Unusually aggressive reports by the state-controlled media have centred on possible collusion between the property developer, the contractor and others supervising the work.

Earlier this week, the government said nine people were 'under supervision' in connection with the investigation. -- AP