In pictures: Clashes at Istanbul park protest

Turkish riot policemen use tear gas to disperse people protesting against the demolition of Taksim Gezi Park, in Taksim Square, Istanbul, 31 May 2013

Turkish police have used tear gas and water cannon to disperse a sit-in against a regeneration project in Istanbul approved by the government.

Demonstrators help one another as Turkish riot policemen use tear gas to disperse protesters in Taksim Square, Istanbul, 31 May 2013

The controversial project is aimed at easing congestion around Taksim Square but also involves building a shopping mall over the popular Gezi Park - a rare green space in Istanbul's busy city centre.

A man helps a boy leave the area after riot police use tear gas and pressurized water in a dawn raid at an Istanbul park, Turkey, 31 May 2013

What started out as an environmental protest became anti-government in tone when police used tear gas against sleeping protesters overnight.

A demonstrator runs with gas mask as Turkish riot policemen use tear gas to disperse protesters, 31 May 2013

Clashes broke out in the heart of Istanbul's main shopping district on Friday tourists looked on.

A man falls as riot police use tear gas and pressurized water to quash a peaceful demonstration at an Istanbul park, Turkey, 31 May 2013

More protests are planned in at least three other large cities as the demonstration has widened into a broader protest against Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his Justice and Development Party.

Protesters clash with Turkish riot police in the Taksim Square area of Istanbul, Turkey, 31 May 2013

More than 60 people were reportedly detained by police during Friday's clashes.

Protesters clash with Turkish riot police in the Taksim area of Istanbul.

Earlier this month, riot police clashed with tens of thousands of people to prevent a May Day march in Istanbul.