ISLAMABAD -- At least nine people were killed and more than 12 others injured on Sunday as angry protesters clashed with law enforcement personnel outside the US Consulate in Karachi in the southern Sindh province, rescue officials said.

The clashes erupted on Mai Kolachi Road when demonstrators tried to enter the premises, prompting security forces to respond, according to Rescue 1122 Sindh.

The injured were shifted to nearby hospitals, Hassan Ul Haseeb, spokesperson for Rescue 1122 Sindh, told Xinhua. Many of them are in critical condition.

Who opened fire was uncertain at the moment, the spokesperson said, adding that most of the injured sustained bullet wounds while others suffered baton injuries.

According to a statement by the Edhi rescue service, law enforcement personnel resorted to teargas shelling and baton charge to control the situation.

Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar sought a report from the police and ordered tighter security at sensitive installations.