Police storm Bahrain camp

Four people were killed in clashes with authorities during protest

MANAMA, Bahrain - Armed patrols prowled neighborhoods and tanks appeared in the streets for the first time on Thursday after riot police with tear gas and clubs drove protesters from a main square where they had demanded sweeping political change in this tiny kingdom. Medical officials said four people were killed.

Police cars with flashing blue lights encircled Pearl Square, the site of rallies since Monday. Barbed wire was set up on streets leading to the square, where police cleaned up flattened tents and trampled banners. The Interior Ministry declared the protest camp "illegal" and warned Bahrainis to stay off the streets.