In pictures: DR Congo violence

Forces loyal to rival presidential candidates in the DR Congo have clashed in the capital Kinshasa.

Fighting broke out on Sunday, shortly before the results of last month's election were due to be announced.

UN peacekeeping troops close to the electoral offices were forced to take cover as the violence escalated.

Sporadic clashes have continued across the city centre and in the diplomatic quarter.

Heavy fighting has erupted near Mr Bemba's villa, from where 14 foreign ambassadors had to be rescued on Monday.

The streets are virtually deserted and shops are closed as people are too afraid to go out.

The violence has claimed the lives of at least five people and wounded others.

Amid the heightened tension, guards have been arresting people outside the presidential palace.

EU peacekeepers, who were on standby in nearby Gabon during the election, have been drafted in.

Calls for both sides to end the violence and hold talks came from the UN, the EU and the Catholic Church.

Neither presidential candidate emerged the winner from July's elections and a second round run-off is due to be held.

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