Protestors gathered in the city to protest against Turkish security forces, who they accuse of mutilating the bodies of Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) rebels killed in recent fighting, and not returning them to their families.

The protesters threw rocks and sticks at riot police, who responded with tear gas. At least 10 demonstrators were arrested.

Most shops shut down for the day in Diyarbakir, a measure traditionally used to support the Kurdish cause and protest the Turkish state.

The PKK, which is considered a terrorist organisation by Ankara, the United States and EU, has stepped up its violence against Turkish security forces since the end of May.

An estimated 45,000 people have died since the PKK took up arms in 1984.