The police fired tear gas and water cannon at the protesters, some of whom fought back with sticks.

Authorities had promised to clear the protesters ahead of independence day celebrations on Thursday.

Hundreds of people have been demonstrating daily since the weekend, calling for President Mikhail Saakashvili to step down.

The protesters say the president has failed to tackle poverty and accuse him of monopolising power.

'Silver revolution'
The police moved in on the protesters shortly after midnight, as heavy rain fell.

Backed by armoured cars firing water cannon, large numbers of riot police arrived from several directions, according to witnesses.

Clashes broke out with some of the protesters who were armed with long sticks and makeshift shields.

A pro-opposition TV station said the protest had been cleared within about 30 minutes.

Medics were treating several people with blood on their faces, said Reuters news agency.

The protests began on Saturday, when as many as 10,000 people demonstrated in central Tbilisi. Clashes broke out early on Sunday between police and demonstrators.

The movement has been dubbed the "silver revolution" by some, as many participants are older Georgians, struggling to cope with low pensions and rising food prices, says the BBC's Damien McGuiness in Tbilisi.

But many of the protesters were men wearing scarves or masks to hide their faces, and carrying white sticks, our correspondent says.

Poverty levels are relatively high in Georgia but the opposition is divided and lacks credibility while the Western-backed Mr Saakashvili retains popularity.

He came to power in 2004 after a popular uprising toppled his predecessor, Eduard Shevardnadze.

BBC