Gunfire has been heard during protests held by several dozen armed men who early Thursday stormed and seized the parliament building in Simferopol, capital of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea.

A protester, who identified himself as "Maxim Danchenko" and claimed to be speaking on behalf of the occupants, told press members that they have demanded a referendum on Crimea's future within Ukraine.

He said around 50 people occupied the parliament building.

The occupants opened fire on a group of journalists as they approached the building.

Meanwhile, the regional government headquarters is also under occupation by another armed group. 

Police authorities surrounding the building told AA that a number of unidentified armed people are in the building and there number is unknown.

On Wednesday, one person died from a heart attack and 26 others were injured in a clash between pro and anti Russian protesters outside the Crimean parliament. The local government canceled a scheduled debate about the peninsula's future with Ukraine.

The political situation in Crimea has been uncertain since Ukraine was hit by large-scale protests that led to the end of the presidency of Viktor Yanukovych. Yanukovych's policies to move the country closer to Russia was met with widespread opposition in November last year after he scrapped a major trade and association deal with the European Union.

Russia maintains a sizable military presence in Crimea.

englishnews@aa.com.tr