A state of emergency has been declared in Ecuador after President Rafael Correa accused the opposition and security ****** of a coup attempt.
Mr Correa was hit by tear gas after a confrontation and taken to hospital, before ******** flared amid reports he was trapped inside.
Gunfire broke out after dark as soldiers launched a reported rescue.
Unrest has been reported across Ecuador amid anger at a new law cutting benefits for public servants.
Supporters said security ****** were not allowing the president to leave the police hospital, where he went for treatment after being hit by teargas.
The minister responsible for security, Miguel Carvajal, said at least one person was ****** and several others were injured during the unrest, but this could not be immediately confirmed.
Mr Correa has received strong support from governments throughout the Americas, with a string of Latin American nations and the US all speaking up for the embattled president.
