A pregnant woman has been shot dead by government forces during an anti-government rally in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.

Officials said the 28-year-old was shot in the head after she left a bus that had been held up by barricades built by the protesters.

The woman, named as Adriana Urquiola, was five-months pregnant.

It remains unclear why the shot was fired.

At least 34 people have been killed in recent protests against President Nicolas Maduro’s socialist government.

The unrest erupted almost two months ago in response to the country’s high inflation, violent crime and a shortage of basic goods such as bread and sugar.

Protesters have been further angered by reports of police brutality and the arrests of demonstrators.

On Sunday Venezuela’s top state prosecutor said security forces had, at times, used excess force to break up protest rallies.

Luisa Ortega said: “With regards to the violation of human rights, yes, there have been excesses by police, but state prosecutors are investigating this.”

She said 60 investigations into alleged human rights abuses had been opened so far and 15 officials arrested.

Her comments came a day after three people were reported to have died of gunshot wounds in violence linked to protests outside the capital.

Mr Maduro, who succeeded the late socialist President Hugo Chavez, maintains that security forces have been restrained in the face of violent disruptions to public order.

He has accused opponents of attempting to stage a coup.