The UN mission to Central African Republic on Thursday said that about 30 people were killed when UN peacekeepers clashed with members of the largely Muslim Seleka rebel group.

According to the report, the clashes began on Wednesday after four armed Seleka members were interrupted for stealing a generator in the northern town of Kaga-Bandoro.

One of the armed men was killed during the hold-up.

Seleka subsequently attacked civilians and was challenged by UN peacekeepers, the mission said.

The fighting continued until early Thursday and gunshots were still heard later in the day.

The fatalities included 12 Seleka members, as well as civilians. Nearly 60 people were injured, the UN mission said.

Widespread looting was reported in the town.

Diamond-rich but poverty-stricken CAR was plunged into more than two years of lawlessness after Seleka overthrew Christian president Francois Bozize in March 2013.

It said that since a new government was elected in February, with President Faustin Touadera at the helm, the situation in country somewhat stabilised.