Political violence has resurfaced in Zimbabwe, where up to 10 families have been left homeless after their huts were burned down.

The violence in Buhera district - the home district of Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai - has been low-key until now.

But police admitted it was getting out of hand, saying a local chief had sounded the alarm about increased political tensions in his area.

Local Zanu-PF officals claimed that MDC members had attacked their supporters' homes. However, the MDC said its supporters were targeted.

The disturbing reports coincided with a hardening of attitudes between President Robert Mugabe and Tsvangirai.

Mugabe announced on Wednesday that his party will not make any more concessions until Tsvangirai's Movement for Democratic Change "calls off sanctions".

In another development the British government has announced that eight members of the UK parliament will visit Zimbabwe shortly. Dave Fish, the head of the British delegation, said they would be reviewing the "effectiveness" of the aid the UK was giving to Zimbabwe.