Policemen use a water cannon to disperse protesters during a rally against an anti-Islam movie in Karachi. -AFP Photo

KARACHI: One person was killed and nine others were injured after protestors led violent protests in front of the US consulate in Karachi, DawnNews reported.

The protestors were voicing their anger in relation to a anti-Islam video, which has led to uproar in other Muslim countries.

Police fired bullets in the air and used tear gas and water canons to disperse some 1,000 people at a rally organised by Majlis-e-Wahadatul Muslimeen, a Shia religious organisation, according to an AFP photographer.

A senior local police official, Asif Ijaz told AFP: “The police had to fire tear gas shells after the protestors refused to pay any heed to our warning.”

At one stage protestors broke through security cordons and got close to the heavily guarded US consulate, pelting stones at the building.

They chanted “Down with America”, “We will sacrifice our lives to safeguard the honour of the Prophet” and “Hang the film maker.”

Richard Silver, a spokesman for the US consulate, said: “There has been no damage or injury to any of our personnel at the consulate.”

DawnNews also reports that protestors have torched two vehicles near M.A. Jinnah Road.

Activists from the Majlis-e-Wahadatul Muslimeen have also protested at Numaish Chowrangi, where police had to resort to aerial firing to disperse the crowds.

News reports said that four police vehicles, a petrol pump and a bank were also set on fire by protestors.

The Shia Ulema Council have called for three days mourning in response to the death of an activist in Karachi.

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