Police in Zimbabwe have fired tear gas and water cannon at opposition supporters who had gathered for a protest march in the capital, Harare, the BBC reported on Friday.

They have also beaten up people wearing red T-shirts, the colour of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change party (MDC).

Protesters are calling for electoral reform ahead of polls in 2018.

President Robert Mugabe, 92, says he intends to stand again.

Leaders from 18 opposition political parties have called for Zimbabweans to march through Harare today at part of a so-called "mega demonstration".

Source: MENA