Myanmar coup: Police fire rubber bullets as protesters defy ban

Police in Myanmar have fired rubber bullets during a demonstration in the capital Nay Pyi Taw, as thousands defied a ban on protests.

Water cannons and tear gas have also been used against protesters demanding democracy be restored after a coup which removed the elected government.

BBC Burmese has been told at least two protesters have been seriously injured.

The fourth day of consecutive protests went ahead on Tuesday despite the introduction of new rules on Monday.

A ban on large public gatherings and night-time curfews have been introduced in some cities, with military leader Min Aung Hlaing warning that no one is above the law.

However, he did not issue a direct threat to protesters – although a broadcast on Burmese state TV following his speech said action “must be taken” against those breaking the law in the Southeast Asian nation.

Protesters in Myanmar have been demanding the release of elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi, along with senior leaders of her National League for Democracy Party (NLD).

She was arrested after the military seized power, claiming without evidence that an earlier election was fraudulent. The army has declared a year-long state of emergency.

How did the situation escalate?

Earlier on Tuesday, police began using water cannons against protesters in Nay Pyi Taw.

But the crowd withstood the barrage of water fired at them and refused to retreat.

“End the military dictatorship”, people yelled out.

Warning shots were eventually shot into the air, before rubber bullets were fired at protesters.