Death toll from protests in Iran hits at least 544

The death toll in Iran has risen, according to a US-based rights group that has been tracking casualty numbers amid widespread anti-regime protests in the country.

At least 544 people have been killed during the demonstrations over the past 15 days, including eight children, according to an update from the Human Rights Activist New Agency (HRANA), the news service of the organisation Human Rights Activists in Iran.

More than 10,681 individuals have also been transferred to prisons following arrest, the agency reported.

Iran has been offline for more than 72 hours after authorities shut down internet access and telephone lines.