A Bolivian policeman taken hostage by demonstrators was blown up with explosives, the government said Thursday, marking a dramatic escalation in the state’s stand-off with backers of ex-president Evo Morales.

Clashes between police and Morales’ backers, who are demanding that he be given a shot to return to power, have left at least five dead, including four officers, according to officials.

The protests, which began over a week ago, have also grown into a wider revolt against incumbent President Luis Arce, marked by calls for his resignation over his handling of a severe economic crisis.

Deputy Interior Minister Jhonny Aguilera told reporters that officer Christian Calle was “kidnapped by a mob” and killed after protesters inserted dynamite into his body and detonated it.

Soldiers deployed in clashes with supporters of former Bolivian president Evo Morales. Photo: AFP

The grisly attack took place in Llallagua, a mining town in the country’s southwest, where three officers deployed to clear a roadblock were shot dead on Wednesday.