Demonstrators have been protesting against the president in the capital for seven weeks [AFP]

At least three officers were stabbed during a "fight with protesters" on Thursday night, with one left in a serious condition, the interior ministry said.

Opposition groups said policemen had set upon activists wielding batons, injuring a number of people.

"It was a provocation by a group of policemen who started beating people," Kakha Kukava, an opposition leader, said.

Transport threat

The clashes have sparked fears that protests, which have been continuing in the capital for seven weeks, are spiralling into widespread unrest.

Threats by activists to block the main highway and railway line have also deepened fears that violent confrontations could break out in the former Soviet republic.

The opposition are demanding the resignation of Saakashvili over his handling of last year's conflict with Russia and claims his rule is becoming increasingly autocratic.

Critics say the 41-year-old leader has monopolised power since the 2003 Rose Revolution that swept him to power.

Demonstrators are planning to rally again on Friday in a bid to build momentum against the leader.

But Saakashvili has resisted calls to resign, and has pointed to the largely peaceful protests in the capital as a sign that democracy is maturing in Georgia.

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