In pictures: Troops in Gujarat

Hundreds of troops have been deployed across the western Indian state of Gujarat in an attempt to quell the worst outbreak of Hindu-Muslim bloodshed in ten years.

Police said the clashes entered a new phase on Friday in Ahmedabad, the state's largest city, as sporadic violence flared across the country.

Almost 1,000 troops were sent into Gujarat

Rioters taunted security forces as they patrolled the streets

Police said the violence had entered 'a new phase'

Hindu mobs ran running street battles with Muslim gangs

It is not known how many people have died so far

Parts of Ahmedabad have been reduced to ashes

Security forces across India have been put on alert