DUBAI (AFP) - Bahraini security forces were accused of using violent means to break up an attempt by pro-reform protesters to stage new demonstrations in villages around Manama on Wednesday. "People are trying to gather... (but) they are attacking them," an activist told AFP by telephone, on condition of anonymity. She mentioned attempted protests in villages including Diraz, Bani Jamrah and Karzakan. "They have already started using birdshot (and) teargas" against the demonstrators, she said, adding an unknown number of people had suffered injuries. Another activist reported a heavy security presence in Bani Jamrah and said security forces had fired tear gas at protesters who dared to venture into the centre of the village.