17 February 2011 Last updated at 16:33

In pictures: Pearl Square stormed

Pearl Square in Manama early on Thursday

Abandoned tents and rubbish litter Pearl Square in Bahrain's capital Manama early on Thursday, after police stormed the square where thousands of pro-democracy protesters were camping out overnight.

Mother comforts son in Manama

There have been chaotic scenes at the main hospital in Manama as relatives of the dead and injured desperately search for their loved ones. Here, a mother comforts her injured son.

Women cry outside a hospital in Manama

Witnesses also reported anger among the crowds flocking to the hospital. There was widespread shock at the way the protest was crushed.

Doctors protest in Manama

Doctors at the hospital staged their own protest after the overnight crackdown resulted in a stream of casualties.

Tanks in Manama

Manama was effectively shut down on Thursday as tanks and military checkpoints were set up for the first time since protests began. The army warned residents to stay away from the city centre.

Protesters flee from Pearl roundabout in Manama, Bahrain

Demonstrators said they received no warning about the police operation, which came at around 0300 (0000 GMT).

An anti-government demonstrator moves away after being attacked by Bahraini riot policemen at the Pearl roundabout in Manama, Bahrain, early Thursday morning. Riot police firing tear gas and rubber bullets stormed a landmark square occupied by anti-government protesters

Tear gas and rubber bullets were reportedly used in the operation, which cleared protesters from the square.

Bahraini riot policemen are seen after attacking peaceful demonstrators camping at the Pearl roundabout, in Manama, Bahrain

One eyewitness said hundreds of riot police were involved in the operation.

Anti-government demonstrators' damaged tents are seen at the Pearl roundabout in Manama, Bahrain, early Thursday morning, after riot police attacked them

The protesters' makeshift tents and camps were destroyed in the police operation. Many people were reported to have been asleep when police moved in.

A Bahraini anti-government demonstrator shows a pictures of a wounded man who she said was injured during the riot police attack at the Pearl roundabout in Manama, Bahrain

Protesters took pictures of the violent response by the authorities to what they say was a peaceful event.

Bahraini women react to the crackdown

Bahraini women reacted angrily on Thursday morning to the violent crackdown.

Protesters outside the main Salmaniya hospital, Manama

Protesters outside the main Salmaniya hospital burned and defaced images of the Bahraini royal family.

Security forces in central Manama

Amid the tension, security forces were again out in strength in central Manama.

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