Protesters waving Albanian flags confront riot police during an anti-government rally in Tirana. (EPA Images pic)TIRANA: Albanian police fired water cannon and tear gas Sunday as violent anti-government protests entered a sixth day and prime minister Edi Rama rejected demonstrators' demands that he resign.

Violent demonstrations have rocked Tirana since Tuesday with protesters calling for action over poor university conditions, high tuition fees and corruption.

Hundreds of protesters gathered again at noon in front of the education ministry chanting "Rama, resign" amid a tense standoff with police.

After police bid to disperse the crowds the protests scattered across the city centre, escalating in hours-long violent clashes.