Thousands of people in Kuwait have stormed parliament after the police and elite security forces beat up protesters who were demanding the resignation of the prime minister.

The demonstrators broke open parliament's gates and entered the main chamber, where they sang the national anthem.

They left a few minutes later.

Some activists say they will continue to camp outside parliament until Sheikh Nasser Mohammad al-Ahmad Al-Sabah is sacked as prime minister.

Earlier, the police had used batons to prevent protesters from marching to the prime minister's home.

Witnesses say at least five demonstrators were injured and treated on the site.

Tension has been building in Kuwait over the past three months since it was alleged that several MPs received a total of $450 million in bribes.

The opposition has been leading a campaign to oust the prime minister, whom they accuse of failing to run the wealthy nation and fight corruption, which has become widespread.