At least 15 people have been killed in a stampede at a football match in the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, officials say.

Reports say the trouble began after police fired tear gas in the crowded stadium, causing panic. More than 20 people were injured.

Terrible. 15 fans dead & 21 injured after clashes at TP Mazembe v AS Vita derby in DR Congo. http://t.co/bUPZCinMha pic.twitter.com/s37WD4sMgT

— Alex Stone (@AlexStone7) May 11, 2014

Local fans were unhappy after the home team, ASV Club, were defeated 1-0 by Tout Puissant Mazembe from Lubumbashi.

Stampedes are a frequent occurrence at mass events in the country.

"Four policemen were harassed by supporters. When they fired tear gas, the stampede began, causing the deaths," the local minister for central Kinshasa, Emmanuel Akweti, told Reuters news agency.

Sad news from DR Congo, 15 die and 21 injured in fights btw TP Mazembe and AS Vita fans, derby earlier pic.twitter.com/diKtCs6zwA v @PepJunior1

— jon levy (@FOTO8) May 11, 2014

Last month, at least 14 were crushed to death at a tribute festival for popular Congolese singer King Kester Emeneya.