Turkish police clash with protesters in Istanbul

Riot police are using teargas to disperse the crowd during an anti-government protest at Taskim Square in Central Istanbul on May 31, 2013. Photo: Reuters

Turkish police fired tear gas and water cannon for a second day on Saturday to prevent hundreds of protesters reaching the central Taksim Square, scene of violent protests in which hundreds were injured on Friday.

Anti-government demonstrators wearing handkerchiefs and surgical masks chanted "unite against fascism" and "government resign" as they tried to walk down the street to Taksim, a Reuters witness said.

Protesters also clashed with police in the Besiktas neighbourhood, on the shores of the Bosphorus, after crossing a bridge in another apparent attempt to reach Taksim.