Ethiopian security forces killed at least three people when they fired at people protesting against water shortage in the southern town of Wolkite, residents have told the BBC.

Some five other people sustained injuries during the protests on Wednesday, they added.

The residents were angered by worsening water shortage in the town and held a protest in front of the city’s water management office.

“We have waited long to hold demonstrations. We came out today hoping we would get [solutions]. But things have turned into guns and blood,” one resident told the BBC.

The BBC’s attempts to speak to district officials have not been successful.