In pictures: Istanbul crackdown

Hundreds of people have been arrested in Istanbul in a police crackdown on left-wing demonstrators trying to hold a May Day rally.

Officers fired water cannon to stop the crowd marching to Taksim Square to mark the 30th anniversary of "Bloody May Day", when 34 people died after a shooting sparked panic.

Violence spread to areas surrounding the square as protestors confronted some 17,000 policemen.

Riot police also fired tear gas into the crowds. Meanwhile, the authorities paralysed public transport, closing main roads and underground stations.

In response to the police show of force, youths threw Molotov cocktails and set cars alight.

Police stopped television crews setting up satellite dishes in the square - one channel did however film events from a nearby building.

Officers outfitted with helmets, gas masks and truncheons detained nearly 600 protesters in the ensuing clashes.

This year's rally is taking place against a background of tensions over a disputed presidential election.

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