Thousands of indigenous Ecuadorean protesters protesting a water privatisation plan have been forcibly removed from the country's congress building.

The demonstrators, armed with sticks, had entered congress on Tuesday as legislators were debating the water reform bill.

They then prevented legislators from leaving the building in Quito.

Clashes then broke out, with riot police using tear gas to disperse the protesters, who attempted to fight back with the sticks.

The measure will now be debated on Thursday.

The demonstrators, who include peasants from indigenous Andean communities, have said that the reforms would allow mining and electric firms to divert water that they use.

The protesters said that they want a special counsel to govern rights to water.

Those pushing for the reforms have said that they will regulate private water usage and ensure that the public retains access to the resource.

A second protest was held in Azuay, the Andean province. At least five leaders were arrested during the rally.