The authorities in Algeria arrested 27 people belonging to a separatist group that has been declared a “terrorist” organisation.

They were arrested days after clashes between protesters and police in Kherrata town in the north.

Police say officers were injured during the incidence.

The suspects have been accused of attempting “to sow terror and strife among citizens by order of parties abroad”.

The 27 belong to the Movement for the Autonomy of Kabylie (MAK) that is seeking independence for the Kabylie region.

The group was declared a terrorist organisation after last years wildfires that killed 65 people.