Two killed in Myanmar protests

Several other serious injuries reported among demonstrators in Mandalay

Two protesters have been killed in Myanmar when police fired live rounds to disperse demonstrators demanding an end to military rule.

One of the victims was hit in the head and died at the scene in Myanmar’s second city, Mandalay, on Saturday. Another was shot in the chest and died en route to hospital.

Several other serious injuries were also reported near Mandalay’s Yadanabon dock, where tear gas and rubber bullets were used against demonstrators earlier in the day.

Protesters have taken to the streets in several cities and towns following the 1 February coup, calling for the release of the country’s elected leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, and others.

Around 500 police and soldiers descended on the area near Yadanabon dock on Saturday after dock workers joined the protesters, refusing to work until the military junta reinstates the democratically elected government.

Some fired catapults at police as they were chased through the riverside streets, while the police responded with tear gas and gunfire.

Protesters and residents were forced to flee the area amid the violence as they were chased by security forces.

The demonstrations and strikes show no signs of winding down, with opponents of the coup sceptical of the army’s promise to hold elections and hand over power.

A young woman died on Friday after being shot in the head as police dispersed a crowd of protesters in the capital, Naypyitaw, marking the first death among anti-coup demonstrators.

The army has said one policeman died of injuries sustained during a protest.

It comes after the UK imposed asset freezes and travel bans on three generals in Myanmar’s military regime in response to human rights violations.

The government also put in place further safeguards to prevent UK aid money indirectly supporting the military government following the coup.

New measures are also being taken to stop UK businesses working with Myanmar’s military.

The foreign secretary, Dominic Raab, said: “The UK condemns the military coup and the arbitrary detention of Aung San Suu Kyi and other political figures.

“We, alongside our international allies, will hold the Myanmar military to account for their violations of human rights and pursue justice for the Myanmar people.”

Additional reporting by agencies