Injured protesters were treated by paramedics after being blasted with water cannon laced with chemicals during violent clashes in Bangkok, Thailand, on Tuesday (November 17).

One young boy in school uniform was seen crying as paramedics gave him water to cleanse his stinging eyes after being hit by the liquid.

Dozens of protesters - along with BBC reporter Jonathan Head - were also hit during the clashes.

Independent onlookers and reporters hit by the water confirmed that it contained irritant chemicals. Protest group "Free Youth" said the youngest person injured during the chaos is in elementary school.

Smoke bombs were also hurled during a tense stand-off outside a government building, where barbed wire barricades were set up.

Anti-government protests have swept the nation in recent months.

Activists are calling for sweeping reforms including a new constitution, the resignation of the Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha and reforms of the monarchy.