Vitali Klitschko attacked by anti-government protesters in Kiev

Former boxer Vitali Klitschko was targeted by anti-government protesters after he tried to calm the riots in Kiev, Ukraine.

The 42-year-old vacated his world heavyweight title in December last year to focus on being a political leader.

Around 10,000 activists took to the streets of the capital city to demonstrate their anger at the country becoming closer to Russia over the last few months.

During the protest, where activists threw fireworks and stun grenades, Klitschko got caught up in the scenes while trying to stop the riots, according to the Daily Star.

The demonstration against President Viktor Yanukovych is said to have left 30 police officers injured.