Armed men stormed the offices of a news broadcaster in Iraq as almost 100 people have been killed and thousands injured during anti-government protests in the country.

The Saudi-owned Al Arabiya news channel said some of its staff were injured and equipment was destroyed in the raid.

An employee from the channel claimed "members of the federal police declined assistance to us during the attack" but they have since had "assurances from the prime minister's office and from officials [they will] investigate the attack".

Gunmen also attacked the offices of Iraq's privately owned Dajla and NRT news channels situated in Baghdad.

More than 80 people have died since anti-government protests began in Iraq on Tuesday, according to official figures.

However, the semi-official Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights has recorded higher numbers.

The partially independent commission has reported almost 100 people have died and nearly 4,000 have been injured.

A protester waves an Iraqi flag in Baghdad on October 5. Photo: unreguser/Xinhua News Agency/PA Images

Violent anti-government protests have resulted in security forces firing live rounds and tear gas into the demonstrating crowds.

It is the most serious disruption to hit the country since the defeat of Islamic State two years ago.

Friday saw the worst of the violence so far, with Iraqi officials confirming the deaths of 22 protesters and 183 people sustaining injuries.

Protesters gathered again in the streets around Baghdad's main Tahrir square on Saturday, after authorities lifted a round-the-clock curfew designed to calm the unrest.

Within hours of workers clearing the streets of bullets and debris, violence broke out again.

Grassroots rallies

The demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi and an investigation into the killings of protesters.

Grassroots rallies began as demonstrators took to the streets demanding jobs and an end to corruption. They also called for improvements to basic amenities including electricity and water.

Parliament is expected to hold an emergency session this weekend in response - but with one of the largest power factions in parliament calling for a boycott, the session is not guaranteed.

The curfew has been left in place in other southern cities and the internet has been blocked.

Reporting by IRN

Main image: Protesters burn tires during protests in Baghdad on October 5. Photo: unreguser/Xinhua News Agency/PA Images