Turkish police use tear gas on May Day protesters

Turkish riot police scuffle with protesters as they attempted to defy a ban and march on Taksim Square to celebrate May Day, Istanbul. Credit: Reuters

Turkish police fired tear gas at dozens of protesters as clashes broke out in Istanbul.

Many of the crowd were trying to get to the city's Taksim square where they were thought to be gathering for a banned May Day celebration.

Several people were detained in a police bus as officers attempted to contained any unauthorised gatherings.

Authorities have agreed that celebrations to mark the day can only take place in a designated area in Bakirkoy, a district near the airport.