Five police officers were injured on Thursday after clashes erupted between protesters and security forces outside Albania's Parliament, authorities said, as tensions continued to escalate during a demonstration in the capital.

According to police, three officers from Tirana Police Station No. 3 and two members of the elite "Shqiponja" special police unit were taken to the Trauma Hospital for medical treatment after sustaining injuries while on duty.

The injured officers were identified by authorities as Qazim Haxhaj and Baki Kullolli, who suffered head injuries, and their colleague Zaudin Torba, who sustained a leg injury. Arjan Cali, head of the "Shqiponja" unit in Durrës, was also reported to have suffered a head injury, while Kreshnik Aliaj, a member of the Tirana-based "Shqiponja" unit, sustained an injury to his hand.

Preliminary information released by police indicated that the officers were injured during confrontations with protesters as security forces sought to maintain order around the Parliament building.

The demonstration remained tense following the clashes, with a heavy police presence continuing in the area. Authorities have not immediately reported any arrests or provided further details on the condition of the injured officers.