In pictures: A bloody day in Myanmar's protests

At least 18 people were killed on Sunday and 30 injured, the UN says

Myanmar security forces have intensified their crackdown on anti-coup protests in the country.

The UN human rights office said Sunday was the deadliest day of the rallies so far, with at least 18 people killed across the country.

Images from various cities show protesters running from police, who fired tear gas and live ammunition.

The military took power on 1 February, alleging electoral fraud and detaining elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Her party won last year's elections in a landslide. Hundreds of thousands of people have taken to the streets since the coup calling for military rule to end.

Crowds in the capital Naypyidaw demanded Aung San Suu Kyi's release

In other cities, protesters clashed with riot police officers. This image was taken during a rally in Yangon where activists and medical workers say at least four people were killed

Police in Yangon fired bullets, stun grenades and tear gas

Soldiers there were called in as reinforcements

Protesters created barricades to slow down security forces

Similar methods were used by demonstrators in Mandalay. One person was killed in protests there, the BBC has been told

Activists told the BBC that four people died in the city of Dawei on Sunday

More on the Myanmar coup:

• What Myanmar's coup means for Aung San Suu Kyi

• How the military disrupted Myanmar's internet

• Myanmar coup: What is happening and why?

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