'Sudan spring' protests build against President Omar al Bashir

After four weeks of protesting, chanting and marching against the regime of Omar al Bashir, thousands of Sudanese demonstrators gathered in the centre of Khartoum overnight in an attempt to force the country's long-time dictator to step down.

In scenes reminiscent of the Arab Spring, protesters in the capital chanted for "freedom, peace and justice" with the demonstrations spreading to other towns and cities.

In Khartoum, participants tried to reach the presidential palace where they wanted to hand over a document demanding the restoration of democracy.

However, police officers and men in plain clothes carrying assault rifles blocked their way and fired tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition.

Organisers told Sky News that 2,000 people have been arrested.

At least three people have been killed, including a doctor, a 14-year old boy and a university student.

In all, more than 40 people have lost their lives since this popular uprising began on 19 December according to citizen rights groups.

President al Bashir took office in 1989 and has presided over the economic collapse of the country he rules.

His administration has run up enormous deficits subsidising the cost of fuel, bread and a range of other products.

In an attempt to pay the bills, the central bank has been printing money but this measure has resulted in rampant inflation and a surge in prices.

The government lost a substantial chunk of its revenue when the oil rich south seceded in 2011 following a referendum.

Dozens of residential areas in and around capital held marches and demonstrations on Thursday.

Sky News has obtained footage from Burri, a suburb in eastern Khartoum, where residents have a long history of protest and confrontation with the authorities.

Demonstrators threw stones at police and shouted slogans against Mr al Bashir.

In return, officers targeted protesters with live ammunition and tear gas. Eyewitnesses say one tear gas volley was directed at a building used by doctors who were attempting to treat the wounded.

Other videos released on social media showed security forces storming houses and beating protesters.

A large crowd gathered outside the neighbourhood's Royal Care Hospital where 25-year-old doctor, Babikir Abdel Hamid, and two other individuals were pronounced dead. Nine people were injured.

The government has not made an official statement about these protests or its attempts to repress them.

In comments made at a number of pro-administration rallies, Mr al Bashir has blamed the demonstrations on foreigners seeking to destabilise his regime.