Venezuela opposition leader drops out of sight as arrest rumours swirl

CARACAS, Venezuela -- A hard-line leader of Venezuela's opposition has dropped out of sight amid media reports that an arrest order has been issued for his alleged role inciting violence at anti-government protests that resulted in three deaths.

Leopoldo Lopez was last heard from Wednesday night at a press conference where he vowed demonstrations against President Nicolas Maduro's government will continue.

Allies on Thursday said Lopez is at his home trying to verify whether his officials are seeking his detention. El Universal newspaper published what it said was a leaked copy of an arrest order against Lopez.

Chief federal prosecutor Luisa Ortega made no mention of the alleged order in statements to the media Thursday. Her office would neither confirm nor deny the report when contacted by AP.

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  Student demonstrator Bassil Da Costa, who was shot in the head, is carried to a police vehicle after clashes broke out between opposition protesters with security forces and pro-government supporters during a protest against the government in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014. (AP / Alejandro Cegarra)

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  Student demonstrator Bassil Da Costa, who was shot in the head is carried away after clashes broke out between opposition protesters with security forces and pro-government supporters during a protest against the government in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014. (AP / Alejandro Cegarra)