There's been a rare street disturbance in Cuba and reports say at least five anti-government demonstrators were arrested.

The trouble began when dissidents protesting against the trial of an independent journalist were surrounded by government supporters outside a Havana courthouse.

Both sides exchanged blows and insults before police stepped in to disperse them.

The journalist, Mario Viera, was due to go on trial, accused of insulting a foreign ministry official in one of his articles.

He faces up to a year in jail if found gulty.

Following the clashes, the trial was suspended.