Lebanon strike turns sour

Beirut, , May. 27 (UPI) -- Clashes erupted in Beirut between riot police and demonstrators protesting high cost of living, leaving three rioters dead and 20 injured, reports said.

The protesters burned tires and cut off highways at the southern entrance of Beirut shouting anti-government slogans.

The violence started in Hay Selloum neighborhood in Beirut's mainly Shiite southern suburb. Rioters tried to seize police and army vehicles, prompting police to fire warning shots in the air, the sources said.

A commotion ensued in which at least one rioter was killed and seven others wounded.

The clashes then spread to adjacent areas and protesters cut off the southern highway and main roads leading to Beirut International Airport.

Lebanese workers, including bank employees, school and university teachers, professionals and public sector employees observed a nationwide strike Thursday to protest soaring fuel prices and inflation.