Kuwait parliament stormed by crowd demanding new leader

Demonstrators in Kuwait's National Assembly yesterday (Getty Images)

Dozens of protesters forced their way into Kuwait's parliament building late last night as hundreds more demonstrated outside calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Nasser al-Mohammad al-Sabah.

Witnesses said the protesters forced their way into the debating chamber where they sang the national anthem before leaving a short time after. A number of opposition MPs were reportedly among the crowd, which has been protesting outside parliament every week, demanding the removal of Sheikh Nasser, whom they accuse of corruption.

"The people want to bring down the head (of government)," the crowds chanted as the protesters who had entered parliament re-emerged to join those massed outside. Some Kuwaiti news organisations and witnesses said riot police had beaten demonstrators as they assembled outside.