Panic-stricken efforts were made by frightened gas workers, surrounded protectively by armed troops, to cut off gas supplies to prevent a chain of explosions.

Barbed wire rings the walls and armed troops, tense and silent, guard the gates.

After three days of clashes between security forces and protesters demanding an end to emergency rule, armed troops patrolled the cities, forcing millions of people to stay at home.

Armed troops would then take over guard roles.

Shops began shutting last year when armed troops strolled in, emptied the tills and had their pick of stock in front of terrified staff.