Officials sacked over fake photos

China has sacked a number of Government officials and arrested a man in connection with a set of fake photographs that local authorities had said was proof of the existence of a highly endangered tiger.

In October, forestry officials in Zhenping county in northern Shaanxi province published photos of a tiger in a forest setting, saying they were proof of the existence of the South China tiger.

A local farmer who produced the photos was paid a 20,000 yuan ($3832) reward.

Nine months later, officials admitted the photos were faked, state media said.