KYIV. April 18 (Interfax) - Ukrainian paratroopers have destroyed a checkpoint set up by protesters in the village of Serheyevka outside Slovyansk in the Donetsk region, the Kramatorsk.info news website has reported, referring to local residents.
"A woman living in the village of Serheyevka has just told us that gunfire can be heard near the motorway," it said.
Local residents also claim that people dressed in military uniforms, presumably Ukrainian paratroopers, have entered the village.
A checkpoint set up by protesters is believed to have caught fire, the cause of which is not yet known.
One of the eyewitnesses also said that one person had died. This information has not been confirmed officially so far.
"Military helicopters can again be seen buzzing over Kramatorsk," the website said.