PTI   

Lucknow, Mar 3: Two persons were killed and more than 10 injured as violence erupted today during anti-Bush demonstrations, with protestors fighting pitched battles with shopkeepers and police in several areas of the city.

The protestors went around trying to force closure of shops in Latouche Road, Aminabad, Kaiserbagh, Nazirabad, Maulviganj and Hazratganj areas and "indulged in heavy brickbatting", Inspector-General of Police (Lucknow zone) O P Tripathi said.

He confirmed that one person died on the spot due to a bullet injury in Latouche Road area while another succumbed to injuries in hospital.

The injured were admitted to KGMU Trauma Centre and Balrampur Hospital.

The IG said 10 companies of the PAC had been deployed and claimed that the situation was now under control.

The processionists, who were protesting the visit of US President George W Bush, damaged shops and vehicles in stone-pelting and set several two-wheelers ablaze in various parts of the city, he said.

Police deployed on security duty for visiting President Abdul Kalam were relocated to patrol roads and lanes of the affected areas.

The trouble erupted after the protestors attended Friday prayers and marched through the streets of the city trying force closure of shops which was opposed by the locals. All the main markets in the city have closed down following the incident.