MANAGUA, Nicaragua -- Violence returned to protests against Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega's government on Monday when riot police confronted protesters and students seized a university. Students demanding greater democracy and Ortega's resignation took over the Engineering University in Managua, the capital.

Government supporters quickly gathered to end the takeover, but anti-government protesters rallied to support the students.

The offices of the pro-government radio station Radio Ya, whose offices are located near the university, were partially set fire during the demonstration.

Riot police officers travel past a burning car during clashes with the anti-government protesters in Managua, Nicaragua May 28, 2018. REUTERS

Police were sent to contain the protests and there were reports of people injured.

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Protests also broke out in the city of Masaya, where the prosecutors' offices were set afire.

The demonstrations erupted in mid-April after Ortega imposed austerity measures for Nicaragua's social security system. At least 76 people died amid a violent response from police and government-allied Sandinista youth groups.

Last week, Nicaragua's Roman Catholic leadership announced that it was indefinitely suspending church-mediated talks between the government and its critics due to a lack of progress.

The government is demanding that protesters stop blocking roads.