Protesters burn down hotel after 'female worker jumps to her death to avoid being raped by army officer'

Police have used tear gas on protesters in chaotic scenes as the city's mayor calls for calm

This is the moment a group of enraged protesters set fire to a hotel after the mysterious death of one of its workers.

Protesters have claimed that the woman jumped to her death from the fourth floor of the building to avoid being raped by an Iranian army officer.

The riotous scenes in the Kurdish city of Mahabad, Iran have led to violent clashes between police and protestors today.

Officers are using tear gas to remove the hundreds who have taken to the streets after they set fire to Tara Hotel, located near the Iraqi border.

The woman has been named as 25-year-old Farinaz Khosrawani, with social media users using the hashtag #JusticeForFarinaz to share photos and videos of their protests.

Jaafar Katani, the mayor of Muhabat, told local news organisation Rudaw: "The people must wait until the investigation results are out to find out the reason behind Khosrawani's death."

Khosrawani's family have said that they are awaiting the result of an investigation by authorities into the death.

The city has a population of 280,000 people, and protesters are continuing to take to the streets.