Britain has requested a new UN Security Council meeting on coup-hit Myanmar for Friday, diplomatic sources said on Tuesday, as security forces increase violence against demonstrators in the South-East Asian nation.

The meeting would be behind closed doors at 3pm GMT, according to London's proposal, the sources said.

Also in camera were the council's discussions a day after the military's February 1 removal of civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

The Council voiced "deep concern" over the coup, and called in a draft statement for the "release of all detainees", including Ms Suu Kyi.

On Monday, China's diplomatic mission to the UN, traditionally reluctant for the Security Council to discuss Myanmar, said there was a "general agreement among Council members that there will be a meeting on Myanmar soon."

Myanmar security troops fired live rounds and tear gas at protesters again on Tuesday, leaving at least three people critically injured as regional powers rebuked the junta over its deadly crackdown.

The country has seen weeks of mass protests demanding Ms Suu Kyi's release, with security forces imposing a steadily more violent crackdown on dissent.

Sunday was the bloodiest day since the military takeover, with the UN saying at least 18 protesters were killed across the country.