Kyrgyzstan’s security forces have launched a second attempt to arrest former President Almazbek Atambayev after a botched raid overnight resulted in the death of one officer.

Mr Atambayev has refused to surrender to police for questioning over corruption allegations. His supporters took up arms to defend the former president during the first operation on Wednesday night.

Six soldiers who had been captured were released earlier on Thursday. Shortly afterwards, gunfire and stun grenades were reported at the home on the outskirts of the capital, Bishkek. Local media reported that special forces used an armoured vehicle to break through the gates of the compound, and soldiers have blocked roads leading to  Atambayev’s residence. Journalists are being kept away from the scene.

“A second raid has just begun,” lawmaker Irina Karamushkina, an ally of Atambayev, told AFP. She said his supporters were “ready to defend the former president to the end.” She said about 1,000 people stood on each side of the standoff - though other sources said there were 1,000 police and only a few hundred on  Atambayev’s side.