Peru - Clashes in northern Peru between police and demonstrators opposing a multi-million dollar gold mining project have left at least three people dead.

Hundreds of people attacked government buildings in the town of Celendin, prompting the authorities to declare a state of emergency in the region.

  Protesters say the Conga project, financed by US-based company Newmont, will destroy water supplies.

  Newmont called a temporary halt to work late last year after similar protests.

Explaining the latest demonstrations, protesters said they had been angered by the town mayor reportedly expressing his support for the open-cast gold mine.

 The government has declared a 30-day state of emergency in three provinces in the area, Celendin, Hualgayoc and Cajamarca.

A similar measure was taken in December when President Ollanta Humala declared a state of emergency in Cajamarca after protests against the mine escalated.