Anti-austerity protesters clash with police, block roads, fires in Rio de Janeiro

Ricardo Moraes / Reuters

Clashes have broken out between workers protesting austerity and police in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Demonstrators blocked roads, started fires and threw projectiles at police, who responded with water cannons and tear gas.

Thousands of Brazilians joined numerous protests held across the country. One of the largest demonstrations was staged in front Rio de Janeiro's state assembly. It ended up in clashes between the protesters and police that tried to disperse the crowd, AP reports.

Protesters erected barricades across the roads and are burning office furniture and tyres. Some rally participants also threw projectiles at riot police. In response, police deployed water cannons against the demonstrators.

Clouds of smoke, likely from tear gas, were seen in the center of Rio. Riot police were also filmed using smoke grenades against protesters...