At least 16 people have been killed in fierce clashes in Kiev between protesters and riot police, the bloodiest outburst of violence in nearly three months of demonstrations.
Four protesters were killed during the police assault on the Opposition’s main protest encampment on Kiev’s iconic Independence Square where protestors have camped out demanding President Viktor Yanukovych leaves power.
Prior to the assault on Independence Square, authorities said that five civilians and seven police officers were killed as security forces fought running battles with protesters.
Two other bodies were also found in the area of protests but police said that they did not show any evidence of violence.