In the third day of violence in the town of Batman, in south-eastern Turkey, clashes between hundreds of Kurdish youths and the police forces became more and more violent. Police used tear gas and water cannons to calm down the protesters, while they replied by throwing stones and petrol bombs.

Protesters also torched a bank and built barricades of flaming car tires. The violence was ignited by 14 Kurdish rebel fighters killed by security forces in the city of Diyarbakir on Tuesday. The deceased were part of the Kurdistan Workers Party, which has been fighting for autonomy in southeastern Turkey since 1984.

Between 2,500 and 3,000 rioters took part in the protests, which were followed by the worst street clashes in the region for many years.

According to Turkish officials, at least 250 people have been injured, out of which half being policemen. An eight-year-old child died from injuries caused by the clashes between Kurdish protesters and police. Also, a boy and a man were shot during the events on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan demanded calm in this situation, while denying the fact that the government has lost control of it, according to the opposition and media. "Our people should feel at peace, they will be safe. Security forces will do what is necessary," he stated.

Authorities are still evaluating the damage, while workers clean the wreckage of burned cars and broken glass on the streets from the previous night.

"The aim of the perpetrators and rioters of these incidents is to destroy the unity of our country and the environment of safety. Our security forces will find and hand over the perpetrators, collaborators, provocateurs and their affiliates to justice and they will be given the punishment they deserved," stated Interior Minister Abdulkadir Aksu.