Bahrain's king declares state of emergency

Bahrain's Sheikh Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa has declared a three-month state of emergency in the country.

The move comes following weeks of unrest and pro-democracy protests in the Middle Eastern kingdom, in which at least two people were killed yesterday (15.03.11).

A doctor in the country has reported others have been injured from rounds fired by security forces.

He said: "People are coming in with bullet wounds and injuries caused by rubber bullets. There are hundreds of people. We received one major case - a man whose skull had been split open by something."

He also confirmed ambulances had been taken by police and soldiers and used to attack the crowds.

The doctor told BBC: "The paramedics were kicked out, and they took the ambulances. They went everywhere in them and they were shooting people."

Security forces from neighbouring countries have been sent into Bahrain.

However the tactics have drawn criticism from other nations, with the US calling on the kingdom's government to use political power instead of military force.

National Security Council spokesman Tommy Vietor said: "The use of force and violence from any source will only worsen the situation."

Bahrain is the latest country to see pro-democracy demonstrations take place - Tunisia, Egypt and Libya have also experienced uprisings.