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Police crackdown in Turkey

Turkish police have launched a crackdown on anti-government protesters in Istanbul after Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned the demonstrators to evacuate in a speech at a rally in the capital Ankara.

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Turkish police fire tear gas as protests spread

Turkish police have fired tear gas and water cannon at protesters occupying a park in central Istanbul.

Riot police fire water cannons at protesters in Istanbul, Turkey. Credit: Reuters

The protest at Gezi Park started late on Monday after developers tore up trees but has widened into a broader demonstration against Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan.

Violence erupted after a dawn police raid on demonstrators who had camped for days in the park in anger at plans to build a shopping mall.

Clouds of tear gas rose around the area in Taksim Square, long a venue for political protest.

A protester holds up a sign as riot police use water cannons. Credit: Reuters

Broken glass and rocks were strewn across a main shopping street.

A group of primary school children ran crying from the tear gas while tourists caught by surprise scurried to get back to luxury hotels lining the square.

Violence erupted after a dawn police raid on demonstrators in Gezi Park. Credit: Reuters

Riot police clashed with tens of thousands of May Day protesters in Istanbul weeks ago.

There have also been protests against the government's stance on the conflict in neighbouring Syria, a recent tightening of restrictions on alcohol sales and warnings against public displays of affection.

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