Riot police have taken up positions close to anti‐government protests in Ukraine’s capital, Kyiv.

The move comes ahead of a deadline for demonstrators to finish their occupation and blockade of government buildings.

On Thursday, a court order gave them five days to leave or face the consequences.

The policemen formed a chain across Kiev’s main street close to the city hall and Independence Square.

There are fears the government is planning to use force to disperse protesters.

Those on the streets are angry that the president shelved a treaty with the EU last month in favour of strengthening ties with Moscow, and say they are going nowhere until the government resigns.