A massive police crackdown proved hugely successful as thousands joined protests called by a coalition of five opposition groups held across Bahrain on Friday.

Police averted traffic chaos and no-one was injured despite groups of protesters breaking off to commit acts of violence in several areas, Public Security chief Major-General Tariq Al Hassan said.

The rioting came as a opposition coalition held 11 rallies across the kingdom. A separate rally was held in Hidd by the Al Fateh Youth Coalition, to oppose potential talks with opposition groups until street violence ends.

Rioting was reported from Jidhafs, Khamis, Tubli, Diraz, Sitra, Saar and Budaiya area while vandals threw firebombs and stones at six government schools.

The Al Wefaq National Islamic Society is being held accountable and organisers have been summoned by Northern, Capital and Central police directorates over the acts of violence at the rallies, Maj-Gen Al Hassan said.-TradeArabia News Service