A 21-year-old a university student has become the latest person to die during violent anti-government protests in Venezuela. He was reportedly killed by a gunshot.

In the western city of San Cristobal, known as the birthplace of the opposition movement, the mayor accused an armed group loyal to the socialist government for the death.

The civic official has now been arrested, accused of “civil rebellion”.

At least 31 people have died since February 12 when a rally demanding President Nicolas Maduro resign was the first time a protest turned violent.

Rallies both for and against the president have been held almost daily.

Maduro’s critics want him to quit over his handling of the economy and high levels of violence in the country. His supporters accuse the protesters of wanting to create chaos and a coup.