Deputies clash in the Ukrainian parliament

Dozens of politicians supporting Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovich have clashed with opposition deputies in the country's parliament.

Earlier, the opposition brought proceedings to a halt when they staged an action to support Yulia Tymoshenko, who they say has been unfairly targeted in a criminal investigation.

Tymoshenko supporters hung banners reading 'End Political Repression" around the assembly hall.

Members of the pro-Yanukovich Party of Regions then tried to force the opposition deputies out of the hall. The fight ended up with several people injured and reportedly taken to hospital.

Tymoshenko is being investigated over allegations of misuse of state funds, but she has dismissed this as an attempt to intimidate the opposition.

Former Prime Minister Tymoshenko narrowly lost a presidential election this year to long-time opponent Viktor Yanukovich, whose government has ordered an audit of her cabinet's affairs.

The auditors' report has alleged misuse of funds in the previous government from selling carbon emission rights under the Kyoto protocol.

Tymoshenko's supporters have described the audit as an attempt to intimidate the opposition.