Lisbon - A striking haulier was killed Tuesday in Zibreira near Santarem in central Portugal during protests against soaring fuel prices.

The 52-year-old had held up a stop sign in a bid to halt an approaching lorry, but was run over and died instantly.

The driver of the approaching lorry was arrested. Several witnesses said he had intentionally run over the striking man.

"That was murder," one striker said. (dpa)