Unrest continues in Iran a week after protests spread across the country following the death of a young woman who was arrested over how she wore her headscarf, or hijab. State-run television says 41 people have died in clashes between demonstrators and security forces.

Twenty-two-year-old Mahsa Amini died on September 16 after she was detained for allegedly wearing her headscarf "improperly."

Police say she died of a heart attack, but protesters believe she was beaten by police. In Iran, it is mandatory for women to cover their hair with a headscarf in public places.

Some demonstrators have turned violent, setting fire to police vehicles and damaging buildings.

The Iranian government is restricting internet access and disrupting the use of social media in a bid to bring the situation under control. A number of protesters have also been arrested.

Experts say the protests are being fueled by strong public discontent with the government's economic policy and the stronger crackdown on violators of headscarf rules. There are concerns that the number of casualties could rise.