A demonstrator shot in anti-government protests in Yemen has died from his wounds according to a hospital spokesman in the capital Sanaa.

Doctors said 80 people were wounded when police opened fire on crowds demanding the removal of President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

Witnesses claim the police were trying to prevent people joining thousands of demonstrators. The state news agency blamed the shooting on tribal gunmen.

Sanaa’s university has become a focal point for weeks of violent protests all over Yemen against Saleh’s 32-year reign. At least 27 people have died in the demonstrations so far.

The opposition movement has gathered momentum over several weeks, driven by sky-high unemployment, corruption and widespread poverty.

The president’s term ends in 2013 but the pressure is mounting for him to go now.