Gunmen have killed four Sudanese during mostly peaceful protests, the police said on Saturday, as thousands prepared to bury one victim and more demonstrations were expected.

Gunmen have killed four Sudanese during mostly peaceful protests, the police said on Saturday, as thousands prepared to bury one victim and more demonstrations were expected.

"Unknown shooters fired on demonstrations in Khartoum Bahri, Khartoum, and Omdurman" during protests on Friday, the police said in a statement carried by the official SUNA news agency.

"As a result of that, four civilians were killed."

It is the first time police have confirmed that people have been shot during five days of protests by thousands, in the biggest challenge to the 24-year rule of President Omar al-Bashir.

Demonstrations began Monday after the government scrapped fuel subsidies, leading to soaring prices.

Police previously said 29 people had died but gave no details.