Ukrainian police are storming the main anti-government protest camp in the capital, Kiev, after months of occupation. Explosions are taking place, fireworks are being thrown and large fires have broken out in Independence Square, known locally as the Maidan, reported the BBC. During the day, at least nine people were killed, including two policemen, as protesters and security forces clashed in the worst violence in weeks. Security forces had earlier given protesters a deadline of 18:00 local time (16:00 GMT) to end the unrest. Police had surrounded Independence Square, which has been the scene of a mostly peaceful protest camp since November. The city's metro service was suspended, and there were reports that cars were being prevented from coming in to the capital. Thousands of people are in the square, which is close to Ukraine's parliament building. Opposition leaders have remained on the camp's stage, giving speeches. Large numbers of people are still in the square.