Protesters clashed with Indian police yesterday after the longest heatwave on record led to widespread blackouts.

Temperatures have hit 45°C for six days in a row in New Delhi and the capital has been hit by power cuts as energy companies ration supply.

Activists said the heatwave has caused scores of deaths across India and sparked protests in New Delhi and the north of the country.

Homeless group the Centre of Holistic Development said 79 bodies had been discovered in the capital in the last few days.

People demonstrated outside some electricity substations in Uttar Pradesh, while others were set alight and energy officials were held hostage.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was elected three weeks ago, campaigned on promises to provide reliable electricity supplies.

But in the last week much of New Delhi has been without power for 10 hours a day following soaring demand and thunderstorm damage.