Myanmar security forces set fires in Yangon amid protests

Myanmar police and soldiers burned debris in the street in Yangon on Saturday, in an apparent push to destroy barricades thrown up by anti-coup protesters to block roads.

Hundreds of demonstrators jeered as the security forces set fires in the Insein district of the city, sending plumes of thick, black smoke into the sky.

Those who ventured forward were met with tear gas.

Barricades made up of bamboo poles, piece of furniture, gates, oil drums and sandbags have sprung up all over the country - one of the few self-defence measures available to the protesters who have continued to show their opposition to the 1 February military coup, despite the threat of lethal force.

The barricades block the free movement of security forces by truck and slow down police rushes aimed at making arrests. They also provide a certain amount of cover when they open fire on crowds.

Fresh protests were reported to be widespread in Myanmar on Saturday, a day after the U.N. special envoy urged the Security Council to take action to quell junta violence that this week left about 50 peaceful demonstrators dead and scores injured.