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At least two people have been shot dead during a student demonstration in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, the BBC reported. 

A pro-government activist and at least one student were killed in a shootout, officials said.

At least 23 people are said to have been injured in demonstrations across the country.

President Nicolas Maduro is facing rising criticism for the country's economic woes and high levels of violence.

He later spoke on national TV, condemning the violence and appealing for calm.

"Let nobody go mad and accept provocations," Mr Maduro said.

The students were demonstrating against the detention of fellow students earlier in the week on the day Venezuela celebrated the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Victory, also known as the Venezuelan Day of Youth, a historical episode in which students defended a city against Spanish-led troops.

Opposition leaders also took part in the march.

But as in other protests called by the opposition, many also took to the streets to support the government.

The president of the National Assembly, Diosdado Cabello, accused right-wing activists of carrying out the acts of violence.

"Fascism has murdered a comrade," Mr Cabello said on national TV.

But a leading opposition congresswoman, Maria Corina Machado, said violence had erupted as students were corralled by pro-government activists.

The leader of the opposition, Henrique Capriles, also appealed for calm.

"Violence will never be the way! We are confident that a large majority refuses and condemns it," Mr Capriles wrote on Twitter.

Students have been protesting elsewhere for a week, with the biggest crowds in the cities of Merida and Tachira.

They were complaining about a lack of security in their university campuses, as well as protesting about the country's economic crisis.

Government forces detained a number of students, which gave rise to more protests demanding their freedom.