.png)
Bahrain protestors camp out overnight
Thousands of protesters opted to camp out overnight in the Bahraini capital Manama during ongoing protests that so far have spanned two days and left two people dead.
The protests have been characterised by various clashes with police, and many protestors are supporting a sit-in on the main square until their demands for political reform are met.
The disturbances in Bahrain - where the Shia majority has been ruled by a Sunni Muslim royal family since the 18th Century - are part of a wave of anti-government unrest that is currently sweeping the Middle East.
Bahrain's King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa has promised to investigate the deaths in a TV address on Tuesday. The US, which has a big naval base in Bahrain, expressed concern at the killings and called for restraint.
"The United States is very concerned by recent violence surrounding protests in Bahrain," state department spokesman PJ Crowley said in a statement. "We also call on all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from violence."
The demonstrators say they want political prisoners to be released, more jobs and housing, the creation of a more representative and empowered parliament, a new constitution written by the people, and a new cabinet that does not include Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, who has been in office for 40 years.
It is unclear how many people the latest demonstrations will attract, as many will have to return to work after Tuesday's public holiday to mark the Prophet Mohammed's birthday.
In a rare TV appearance on Tuesday, Sheikh Hamad expressed regret at the fatalities and said he would continue reforms begun in 2002 when the emirate became a constitutional monarchy.
Following the address, thousands of protesters gathered in Pearl Square in central Manama. Some said more than 10,000 people were there.Police were deployed on the other side of a bridge leading to the square, but took no further action.
The Bahrain Youth Society For Human Rights said many of the protesters had brought tents, blankets and carpets.
The group also said the country's internet connections were being restricted to hamper the uploading of videos and pictures from the protests.
