Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed has said that he was forced to resign “at gunpoint” by police and army officers in a coup.

He said the move was planned with the knowledge of Vice-President Mohammed Waheed Hassan Manik, who has replaced him. Mr Hassan denies the claims.

Several of Mr Nasheed’s supporters were injured in clashes as riot police used tear gas and batons against demonstrators in Republic Square.

The Maldivian Democratic Party party also says that police have attacked Nasheed a day after he left office. ”We strongly condemned the violent attack by the Maldivian Police Service on President (Mohamed) Nasheed and senior officials of the MDP,” according to a statement. “President Nasheed is being beaten up as of now in an ongoing peaceful protest.” Nasheed’s resignation came amid rising controversy over his ousting of a judge. He was the country’s first democratically-elected leader.