Turkish police use tear gas again to quell protests in Ankara

ANKARA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police used tear gas again to quell demonstrations in Ankara early on Friday after the government proposed to hold a referendum on the future of Gezi Park.

Police used tear gas and water cannons against a group of 200 demonstrators that were blocking traffic on the Kennedy Avenue, near the embassy of the United States. Protesters scattered in side-streets were also chased by the police. Five people have reportedly been taken into custody.

On Thursday , Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a "last warning" to thousands of protesters in Gezi Park of Istanbul, calling on them to evacuate the epicenter of the nationwide demonstrations.

"Our patience is at an end. I'm making my last warning: mothers, fathers, please withdraw your kids from there," Erdogan said while addressing his party members in Ankara.

The demonstrations continued Thursday despite the referendum proposal by the government.

The national clashes between police and protesters have killed at least five people, including a policeman, and injured 5,000, according to local media.

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