VIOLENT clashes broke out across America with more than 270 arrested in Washington DC as cops and protesters battled just streets away from the presidential parade.

Riot cops used pepper spray and stun grenades to break up crowds as fights broke out, windows were smashed and fires lit in the streets as Americans protested against the inauguration of President Donald Trump.

51 Anti-Trump protesters set bins on fire during clashes in Washington DC today Credit: Getty Images

51 Protesters and cops clash in Washington DC today after the inauguration of Donald Trump Credit: Getty Images

51 A limousine was set alight amid the chaos of today's protests Credit: Getty Images

51 A protester burns a Donald Trump T-shirt on the streets of Washington DC today Credit: AP:Associated Press

51 Dozens of protesters are hit with pepper spray during chaotic scenes in Washington today Credit: AP:Associated Press

51 A protester holding a sign reading impeach takes a picture amid the chaos in Washington today Credit: Getty Images

51 Cops used the spray to disperse demonstrators furious as the prospect of a Donald Trump presidency Credit: Getty Images

51 A limousine was set on fire in Washington DC today as Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States Credit: Reuters

51 Donald Trump takes the Presidential oath today as he becomes the 45th President of the United States Credit: Reuters

51 A woman has milk poured into her eyes after being pepper sprayed by cops Credit: Reuters

51 A protester is pulled to the ground during the violent demonstrations today Credit: Getty Images

51 Shop windows were also smashed by masked protesters just hours before Trump was due to be inaugurated Credit: Rex Features

Someone set the limo on fire. pic.twitter.com/y4AFr5HNjk — Matt Pearce 🦅 (@mattdpearce) January 20, 2017

Masked protesters were pictured across Washington DC before yesterday's inauguration ceremony, some armed with hammers and crowbars.

Confrontations began an hour before Trump took the oath of office and escalated several hours later as the crowds swelled to more than 1,000, some wearing gas masks and with arms chained together.

When some crossed police lines, taunting "put the pigs in the ground," police charged with batons and pepper spray, as well as stun grenades.

The city appeared to have become a virtual war-zone and clashes continued throughout the day.

Just streets away from Trump's inaugural parade route another chaotic confrontation saw pepper spray and stun grenades launched by cops.

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The violence came as Donald Trump was sworn in as the 45th President of the United States of America.

Groups angered by his stance on immigration and women's issues among those participating.

And it's not just America that has seen demonstrations — Lily Allen spoke at a protest outside the American embassy in London, with marches seen around the world.

51 Firefighters put out blazes in Washington DC today Credit: Reuters

51 Protesters flee as tear gas is sprayed in Washington DC today amid demonstrations Credit: Getty Images

51 A protester screams as cops and protesters clash in Washington DC Credit: Getty Images

51 Cops fire pepper spray as protests turned ugly on the streets of Washington DC today Credit: AP:Associated Press

51 A protester is stopped by police amid demonstrations in the capital city today Credit: Splash News

51 A demonstrator smashes the window of a limousine during a march before Trump's inauguration Credit: Rex Features

51 A cop armed with a pepper spray gun screams at demonstrators Credit: Getty Images

51 Singer Lily Allen spoke to Trump protesters in London today Credit: Twitter

51 A protester is dragged away from the riots by cops Credit: Getty Images

51 A protester lies on the ground as clashes break out in the capital Credit: EPA

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Groups fuming about controversial billionaire Republican Trump's attitude to women, race, immigration, climate chance and drugs were among those taking to the streets in Washington.

Hostile demonstrations also unfolded at security checkpoints near the Capitol as police in riot gear helped ticket-holders get through to the inaugural ceremony.

Signs read "Resist Trump Climate Justice Now," ''Let Freedom Ring" and ''Free Palestine."

Two police officers sustained minor injuries as a fast-moving group whipped down several main streets, just streets away from the White House.

An AFP reporter saw National Guardsmen donning riot gear, as masked protesters blocked traffic and set fire to bins chanting "Not my president" and "We resist President Trump."

Presenter Larry King tweeted that the windows of his hired SUV had been smashed by protesters.

He said: "I was working in-studio & am ok, but my driver is a bit rattled."

Protestors in DC smashed the windows of my hired SUV & many other cars. I was working in-studio & am ok, but my driver is a bit rattled. — Larry King (@kingsthings) January 20, 2017

51 Riot police are out in Washington today as some protests turn violent Credit: Getty Images

51 Tear gas has been used against protesters in America's capital Credit: Rex Features

51 A protester is stopped by cops in Washington D.C today Credit: Rex Features

51 A masked protester flees as shop windows are smashed during the riots Credit: Reuters

The DisruptJ20 coalition, named after the date of the inauguration, had promised that people participating in its actions in Washington would attempt to shut down the celebrations, risking arrest when necessary.

Eleanor Goldfield, who helped organise the Disrupt J20 protest, said protesters wanted to show Trump and his "misguided, misinformed or just plain dangerous" supporters that they won't be silent.

Public interest lawyer Renee Steinhagen, 61, came down from New York to join the protests.

"I'm doing this to express resistance to the change that await us," she said.

"This administration seems more extreme than any other. This is a simple act of resistance. It's better than staying at home."

51 A man wearing a Donald Trump mask with a Pinocchio-style long nose is pictured Credit: Getty Images

Trump supporter Brett Ecker said the protesters were frustrating but weren't going to ruin his day.

"They're just here to stir up trouble," said the 36-year-old teacher.

"It upsets me a little bit that people choose to do this, but yet again it's one of the things I love about this country."

At one checkpoint, protesters wore orange jumpsuits with black hoods over their faces to represent prisoners in U.S. detention at Guantanamo Bay.

Black Lives Matter and feminist groups were also active.

51 Cops surround a group of protesters sitting on the ground Credit: EPA

51 Groups incensed by Trump's views on women and immigrants are among those rioting Credit: Reuters

51 A protester holds a sign labelling Trump a "scumbag" Credit: Splash News

51 A woman taking part in the furious protests is grabbed by cops Credit: AP:Associated Press

51 Environmental protesters hold a sign protesting the Trump presidency Credit: EPA

Hundreds had also gathered outside the National Press Club, where the "DeploraBall" was being held.

The name is a play on a campaign remark by Hillary Clinton, who once referred to many of Trump's supporters as a "basket of deplorables."

Police used chemical spray on some protesters in an effort to control the unruly crowd.

51 Protesters wearing face masks demonstrate on the streets Credit: EPA

51 Cops grab a protester found demonstrating on the ground Credit: AP:Associated Press

51 A protester holds a sign showing Trump kissing Russian president Vladimir Putin Credit: Getty Images

One video posted online shows Trump supporter James Allsup wearing a white Make America Great Again hat while debating with a Trump critic in the streets.

Members of an anti-fascist group then wave a flag behind him before someone snatches his hat from his head.

A violent scuffle breaks out as Allsup wrestles with protesters and is hit in the face.

He wrote: "A masked protester tried to steal my MAGA hat. I caught him, his buddy suckerpunched me in the face, and his buddy got tasered and arrested."

Photographs have been shared on social media purporting to show him left with a bloody head wound after being hit by a flag pole, reported to have occurred in separate incident.

51 A masked protester punches Trump supporter James Allsup in the head Credit: YouTube: James Allsup

51 The brawl was sparked by a Trump demonstrator taking his hat from his head Credit: YouTube: James Allsup

51 Allsup was later pictured with a bleeding head after allegedly being hit by a flag pole Credit: Twitter

51 He said he went to hospital and received five staples in his head for the injury Credit: Twitter

Crowds massed outside the American embassy in London to protest Trump's inauguration.

Protests were also seen in Berlin, Mexico City, Canada, Belgium and Ireland.

A massive Women's March on Washington is planned for today, with a similar march in London and other cities.

Christopher Geldart, the District of Columbia's homeland security director, has said 1,800 busses were registered to park in the city on Saturday, which could mean nearly 100,000 people coming in just by bus.

51 Anti-Trump protesters burn an effigy of U.S. President Donald Trump in front of the U.S. Embassy in Montreal, Canada Credit: Reuters

51 Protesters outside the US embassy in London today Credit: Getty Images

51 Anti Trump protesters were also seen in Belfast today as he was sworn into office Credit: Pacemaker Press

51 Protests were also seen in Brussels Credit: PA:Press Association

51 Protesters in San Francisco formed a human chain along the Golden Gate Bridge in a display of unity Credit: Getty Images

51 Up to 3,000 people joined the protest against President Donald Trump, who was sworn in today Credit: Getty Images

51 As Donald Trump was sworn in demonstrators in California scattered out across rain-swept streets Credit: AP:Associated Press

There were more peaceful demonstrations in San Francisco as up to 3,000 people showed unity against the new president by wearing purple rain jackets and holding hands to form a human chain across the Golden Gate Bridge.

Jim Bendat, an expert on inaugural history, said significant protests surrounding Inauguration Day go back at least to 1913, when suffragettes marched down Pennsylvania Avenue.

Richard Nixon's first and second inaugurations drew memorable protests, he said, with demonstrators at the second inauguration angry about the Vietnam War.

During President George W. Bush's 2001 inauguration, demonstrators along the parade route turned their backs as the president passed by and others held signs like "Hail to the thief," suggesting Bush had stolen the election from Democrat Al Gore.

At least one egg thrown from the crowd hit the presidential limousine. In 2005, demonstrators disrupted Bush's inaugural address.

Bendat said it's to be expected that after such a contentious election, demonstrators will come to Washington to express their opinions.

"That's part of democracy, too," he said.

51 A supporter wears underpants with Trump printed across his backside Credit: Getty Images

51 People on the National Mall a short time before Donald J. Trump is sworn in as the 45th President of the United States in Washington Credit: EPA

51 A Trump supporter with his face painted is pictured attending his inauguration ceremony Credit: Reuters

51 A man dressed as Trump gestures at passing traffic Credit: Getty Images

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