Thousands of protesters gathered on the streets of Albania's capital to demonstrate against the government, in a rally that quickly turned violent.

Three people were killed and several more injured during hours of running battles which saw police cars set ablaze.

Witnesses said a section of the crowd threw stones at the police, who responded with tear gas and water cannon.

The police had expected trouble and lined the streets before the protest, where Socialist supporters called on the government to step down.

The Socialists say the government is corrupt, and accuse it of rigging the last election.