MANAMA, Dec 23: Bahrain has been hit by sectarian rioting for a fifth consecutive day in demonstrations that have seen the death of one protester, local press reports said on Sunday.

Security forces have fired teargas and rubber bullets in villages during trouble that erupted following the death on Monday of a young protester who died after a demonstration organised by the opposition, they said.

The 22-year-old man died in hospital after being taken ill at his home after the protest at Jid Hafs, during which he inhaled teargas, an opposition activist said.

Security sources cited by the official Bahrain News Agency said the man had died of natural causes, and that an investigation had been launched into his death.—AFP