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Wednesday, 26 September 2007, 15:16 GMT 16:16 UK

In pictures: Mood darkens in Burma

Photo released by the Democratic Voice of Burma show fires in the streets of Rangoon as monks protest

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

Photo released by the Democratic Voice of Burma showing monks protesting in Rangoon

Photo released by the Democratic Voice of Burma showing monks protesting in Rangoon

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

Photo released by the Democratic Voice of Burma shows police blockades as monks protest in Rangoon

Photo released by the Democratic Voice of Burma shows police blockades as monks protest in Rangoon

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

Photograph from Burmese opposition group, National League for Democracy-Liberated Area, shows Myanmar Red Cross workers treating an injured monk, Rangoon, 26 September, 2007

Photograph from Burmese opposition group, National League for Democracy-Liberated Area, shows Myanmar Red Cross workers treating an injured monk, Rangoon, 26 September, 2007

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

A woman prays for monks during protests in Rangoon, Burma

A woman prays for monks during protests in Rangoon, Burma

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

Injured elderly monk during protests in Rangoon, Burma

Injured elderly monk during protests in Rangoon, Burma

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

Photograph from Burmese opposition group, the National League for Democracy-Liberated Area, showing monks and protesters running past a burning motorcycle in Rangoon on 26 September, 2007

Photograph from Burmese opposition group, the National League for Democracy-Liberated Area, showing monks and protesters running past a burning motorcycle in Rangoon on 26 September, 2007

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

Armed police get out of a truck full of shields and other riot equipment as they arrive in Rangoon city centre, 26 September, 2007

Armed police get out of a truck full of shields and other riot equipment as they arrive in Rangoon city centre, 26 September, 2007

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

Photograph from Burmese opposition group, National League for Democracy-Liberated Area, shows a Buddhist monk and demonstrators holding sticks in Rangoon, 26 September 2007

Photograph from Burmese opposition group, National League for Democracy-Liberated Area, shows a Buddhist monk and demonstrators holding sticks in Rangoon, 26 September 2007

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

Buddhist monks (R) look on as armed police block off a street in downtown Rangoon, 26 September, 2007

Buddhist monks (R) look on as armed police block off a street in downtown Rangoon, 26 September, 2007

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

A Buddhist monk holds a sign as his group marches down a street before a police crackdown in Rangoon city centre, 26 September, 2007

A Buddhist monk holds a sign as his group marches down a street before a police crackdown in Rangoon city centre, 26 September, 2007

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

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Related to this story:
Burmese riot police attack monks (26 Sep 07 | Asia-Pacific )
Burma protests: Your pictures (25 Sep 07 | In Pictures )