The chief of police in Mexico City has resigned, amid criticism of a botched nightclub raid in which 12 people died.

The capital's mayor, Marcelo Ebrard, said the resignation of Joel Ortega was the first step in a plan to reconstruct the city's police force.

The move came after a rights body accused officers of rampant misconduct during the operation, on 20 June.

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Police blocked exits as they sought underage drinkers at the club.

The officer who led the raid has been charged with 12 counts of murder. He allegedly failed to give orders for people to be let out of the club.

Dozens more officials and police agents have been charged with lesser offences, amid widespread public anger.

Mayor Ebrard pledged to preside over the rebuilding of the police force.

"I have accepted the resignation of the police chief because a big institutional change is required," the mayor said.

The announcement came shortly after the district's human rights commission released a report criticising the police operation.

It blamed the tragedy on excessive use of force and bad planning by the authorities, the Spanish news agency EFE reported.

(BBC)

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