UN calls on Myanmar to halt excessive force after media reports five killed

(Reuters) - The United Nations has called for Myanmar to hold to account anyone using excessive force against unarmed civilians after security forces rammed a car into an anti-coup protesters killing five of them, according to media and witnesses.

Photographs and videos posted on social media showed a speeding vehicle crashing through a group of anti-coup protesters on Sunday in the main city of Yangon and bodies lying on the road. Witnesses told Reuters dozens had been injured.

"Those responsible for the use of excessive and disproportionate use of force against unarmed civilians must be held to account," Ramanathan Balakrishnan, the U.N resident coordinator in Myanmar, said in a statement.

The Myanmar Now news portal said the incident occurred minutes after a "flash mob" of people protesting against a Feb. 1 military coup had formed. As well as at least five deaths, 15 had also been arrested, it said.

The state-run Global New light of Myanmar newspaper said security forces dispersed an "unlawful riot" and arrested eight protesters. It said three people had been injured but did not mention any deaths and said those arrested would face legal action.

The U.S embassy said in a statement it was "horrified by reports that security forces opened fire against, ran over, and killed several peaceful protesters".

Anti-military protests have not stopped despite the killing of more than 1,300 people since the February overthrow of an elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and the return of military rule.

One of the protesters on Sunday said he had fallen after being hit by a vehicle before fleeing.

"A soldier beat me with his rifle but I defended and pushed him back. Then he immediately shot at me as I ran away in a zig-zag pattern," the protester, who declined to be identified for security reasons, told Reuters by telephone.

The car occupied by soldiers hit the mob from behind, two witnesses said. Soldiers chased the scattering protesters arresting and beating some.

Some were hurt with head wounds and left unconscious, according to the witnesses.

A military spokesman did not respond to attempts by Reuters to reach him for comment on the incident.

Previously, the military has said protesters who have been killed instigated violence. It says it staged the coup because an election in November last year won by Suu Kyi's party was rigged.

The election commission at the time dismissed the assertion.

Suu Kyi, 76, faces a dozen legal cases against her including incitement and violations of COVID-19 protocols. Her supporters say the charges are politically motivated.

(Reporting by Reuters Staff, writing by Ed Davies, editing by Robert Birsel)