The death of a person in Embilipitiya, during a clash with police, has sparked a protest in the area since this morning (07), Ada Derana reporter says.

A group of about 1000 people are currently engaged in a demonstration blocking the Embilipitiya - Middeniya Road, the reporter added.

The residents of the area have also hoisted black flags in their houses and shops in protest against the police.

The deceased, whose wife is pregnant with their second child, had sustained life threatening injuries after he reportedly jumped from an upper floor of a house during the clash. The man succumbed to injuries at the Ratnapura hospital this morning.

Four policemen and three civilians were hospitalised with injuries following the clash during a celebration at a residence on Nawa Nagara Road in Embilipitiya last Tuesday.

Tires have been torched along the roads by the protesters gathered at the Embilipitiya Town resulting in vehicular movement being restricted.  

It has been reported that two policemen had asked for liquor from the homeowners after the start of the house party and the ensuing argument between villagers and the police officers had escalated into fisticuffs.

Afterwards another group of police officers had arrived at the scene resulting in further clashes with attendees of the event and ending with several individuals from both groups being hospitalised.

A nearby home was also damaged from the incident while blood stains were seen at several locations in that house.