There were violent clashes in the Estonian capital, Tallinn, as police removed a controversial World War II memorial to Red Army soldiers.

Officials are moving the statue to a military cemetery because they say it acts as a focus for both Estonian and Russian nationalism.

The move has sparked angry protests from some members of Estonia's ethnic Russian minority, who say it honours those who fought the Nazis and should not be moved.

On Thursday, crowds gathered at the site as police arrived to seal it off ahead of the statue's removal.

Police used tear gas and water cannon as the protest turned violent. One person was killed and more than 40 injured in the clashes.

Looting and vandalism were also reported at shops around the memorial.

Russia has reacted angrily to the statue's removal, with lawmakers calling for diplomatic ties between the two countries to be suspended.