Protesters injured in Madagascar

Madagascar has seen six consecutive days of protest against the new leader

At least 30 people have been injured - some from gunshot wounds - at an anti-government rally in Madagascar.

Some 15,000 supporters of ousted President Marc Ravalomanana clashed with police in the capital.

They have been demanding the return of their leader, who was ousted by an army-backed coup last week.

Tear gas was used against demonstrators who turned out in record numbers to protest for a sixth consecutive day against new leader Andry Rajoelina.

Protesters - who have called for a general strike to start on Monday - are trying to move closer to government offices now occupied by supporters of Mr Rajoelina, the former opposition leader.

The BBC's Jonny Hogg, in Antananarivo, says it remains unclear whether the security forces have been shooting in the air or at the protesters themselves.

The gunfire is now coming from various different points within the centre of the capital, our correspondent adds.

There have been several injuries and unconfirmed reports of possibly eight people dead, says our correspondent.

International backlash

Mr Ravalomanana is in Swaziland ahead of next week's meeting by regional leaders to discuss possible sanctions against Madagascar.

In a message to his supporters earlier in the week, he described his removal from power as a coup.

Mr Rajoelina's military-backed government has offered reconciliation talks with allies of the ousted leader.

Marc Ravalomanana quit last week after soldiers stormed his offices

The new leader has said reconciliation talks were scheduled for 2-3 April, but members of Mr Ravalomanana's political party have not confirmed whether they would join the proposed dialogue.

The new government has come under increasing pressure from the daily protests and a growing international backlash against his rise to power.

The African Union has already announced Madagascar's suspension, while the United States and European Union have described Mr Rajoelina's accession as a coup.

Mr Ravalomanana, 59, resigned as president on 17 March, clearing the way for Mr Rajoelina to take power after a bitter three-month power struggle during which around 100 civilians died.

The former disc jockey, 34, who spent nearly two years as Antananarivo mayor, is Africa's youngest president.

Still six years too young to be president under the current constitution, he has promised new elections within two years after a new charter is adopted, but this has failed to satisfy donors.