Violent clashes go into the night in Kiev

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)

After protests and clashes between riot police and demonstrators grip the Ukrainian capital, violence continues into the night in Kiev.

Despite appeals from opposition leaders not to resort to violence, and a personal intervention from boxer-turned-politician Vitaly Klitschko, protesters continued to throw smoke bombs and hurl fireworks and other objects at police.

The police appeared to show restraint throughout the day. The interior ministry said 30 police were hurt, including more than 10 admitted to the hospital. Four policeman are in serious condition.

Ukrainian opposition leader Arseny Yatsenyuk says the President Viktor Yanukovich has called him to declare a willingness to negotiate.