Residents in Yangon patrolled the the city in groups overnight, fearful of police arrest raids and criminals they say have been released by the military to stoke unrest.

Worries about criminal activity have increased since Friday (February 12), when the junta announced it would free 23,000 prisoners.

They said the move was consistent with "establishing a new, democratic state with peace, development and discipline"

But unverified pictures on social media have fueled rumors that criminals are trying to stir unrest by setting fires or poisoning water supplies.