Protester killed in Bahrain

Bahraini officials say a young man was killed by gunfire during the latest anti-government protests in the Gulf kingdom.

The Interior Ministry says 22-year-old Ahmed Ismail died from a “live bullet” today and that an investigation is under way.

Street battles occur nearly every day between security forces and protesters from Bahrain’s Shiite majority, which seeks to break the Sunni monarchy’s hold on power.

Police often use tear gas and rubber bullets, but reports of regular gunfire are rare.

The death could boost pressure on Formula One organisers to call off the April 22 Bahrain Grand Prix. The race was cancelled last year in a blow to the country’s leadership.

More than 45 people have died in Bahrain’s unrest since February 2011.