HARARE, March 13 (Reuters) - Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai and 49 others, who suffered injuries in police custody, were detained in hospital for the night on Tuesday for treatment, their lawyer and a senior party official said.

Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) spokesman Nelson Chamisa told Reuters by phone from a Harare hospital where he was detained with Tsvangirai and others, that they had been admitted for overnight observation but under police guard.

"He (Tsvangirai) was admitted ahead of us... We have been admitted for treatment," said Chamisa, who added that his body was aching from assaults.

Riot police were on guard at the private hospital just outside the city centre, and Chamisa said armed policeman were posted on their bed sides and that no visitors were allowed.

Tsvangirai's defence lawyer Eric Matinenga confirmed that a doctor had recommended hospital bed rest and further medical check-ups for his clients, but said they should have been freed by the police.

"The medical practioner who attended to them said nearly or all should be put under observation for at least 24 hours," Matinenga said.

"The judge's ruling yesterday clearly stated that if these people are not brought to remand court by 12 p.m. (1000 GMT), they are automatically released., but they may very well be a different interpretation by the police, he added.

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