Turkish Police Disperse May Day Protesters

Demonstrators were trying to make their way to Taksim Square in Istanbul

Police in Istanbul have clashed with protesters trying to reach the city's main square to mark May Day.

Citing security reasons, the government had banned a rally on Wednesday in Taksim Square, which is undergoing major renovations.

Underground stations, some buses and ferries across the Bosphorus were suspended to prevent large groups from gathering in the square.

Police fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators trying to break through barricades to access the square, while protesters responded by hurling stones at officers.