Protests against a proposed chemical plant in southern China spread to the provincial capital of Guangzhou on Tuesday, even as authorities signaled they may back down on their construction plans in an attempt to head off more unrest.

Public anger has grown after graphic photos surfaced on Chinese social networks early this week, showing demonstrators in the nearby city of Maoming — the location of the proposed plant — lying bloodied on the streets as rows of paramilitary police marched in formation.

On Sunday, hundreds of Maoming residents poured into the streets protesting against the plant producing paraxylene, a petrochemical used in making fabric and plastic bottles, and environmental degradation.