Chaos broke out on the streets of Rangoon as Burmese security forces cracked down on anti-government protesters.

It was the ninth consecutive day of unrest, as the protesters demanded an end to the rule of the military junta.

Security forces reportedly surrounded six monasteries in Rangoon, the largest city in this deeply religious country.

Dozens of protesters, including Buddhist monks, were injured, and at least 100 people have been arrested.

Some of the monks have reportedly urged civilians not to join in their demonstrations.

But some witnesses said civilians were shielding monks marching elsewhere in the city.

The protests were sparked by the government's decision to double the price of fuel in the impoverished nation.

Soldiers armed with rifles, batons and shields were deployed at strategic points in Rangoon.

Police used batons and tear gas on the crowds, and there were reports of warning shots being fired.

The military had warned the monks on Monday to stop their protests.

They have insisted that theirs is a peaceful protest, but the atmosphere is now described as tense and angry.