US Independence Day celebrations were marked by violent clashes in Washington DC on Thursday where far-left and far-right groups scuffled with each other and several people were arrested.

The Proud Boys, a men’s-only far-right group with ties to white supremacy organisations and which supports Donald Trump, fought with far-left group the Revolutionary Communist Party, USA, outside the White House after the communist group burnt American flags.

The far-right group was seen being escorted through the streets of the capital by police officers, and at one point were filmed chanting “blue lives matter”, in support of the police. Blue Lives Matter is a counter-movement to the Black Lives Matter movement, which campaigns against systemic violence and racism against black people.

A member of the Proud Boys was filmed walking down a police-lined road, apparently fist-bumping several officers.

According to journalist Ford Fischer, who witnessed and filmed the clashes and the police fist-bumping the member of the far-right group, three communists were arrested, with one let go immediately.

Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures Show all 26 1 /26 Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures Protesters unveil a statue of US President Donald Trump tweeting on a toilet, at the National Mall ahead of the, "Salute to America" Fourth of July event with US President Donald Trump at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC AFP/Getty Images Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures People watch the Independence Day parade as it passes in front of the National Archives AFP/Getty Images Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures Parade-goers sit at the National Archives for the reading of the Declaration of Independence and the Independence Day Parade along Constitution Avenue Alamy Live News. Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures A jump rope team on Constitution Avenue EPA Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures Men dance next to the Sikhs of America float REUTERS Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures A clown passes by on a bicycle REUTERS Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures Demonstrators hold signs in front of a "Baby Trump" balloon REUTERS Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures A girls helps carrying a U.S. flag as she takes part in a parade REUTERS Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures Miss Maryland, Mariela Pepin, wearing her sash and tiara, rides in an open-top vehicle REUTERS Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures A man dressed in a historical uniform waves from a float REUTERS Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures Women in roller derby outfits skate by with national flags REUTERS Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures People move a statue depicting U.S. President Donald Trump REUTERS Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures A dressed-up man gestures next to a horse REUTERS Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures A woman wears a special button as she joins others to watch the parade EPA Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures People gather to watch EPA Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures A supporter of US President Donald J. Trump EPA Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps EPA Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures Protesters gather near a sculpture depicting President Donald Trump AP Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures People carry U.S. flags as they take part in a parade REUTERS Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures A man displays U.S. flag-themed pants REUTERS Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: People participate in the Fourth of July festivities on July 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. President Trump is holding a "Salute to America" celebration on the National Mall on Independence Day this year with musical performances, a military flyover, and fireworks. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) Stephanie Keith Getty Images Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: People participate in the Fourth of July festivities on July 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. President Trump is holding a "Salute to America" celebration on the National Mall on Independence Day this year with musical performances, a military flyover, and fireworks. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) Stephanie Keith Getty Images Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: Trump supporters are seen in front of the Baby Trump balloon during the Fourth of July festivities on July 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. President Trump is holding a "Salute to America" celebration on the National Mall on Independence Day this year with musical performances, a military flyover, and fireworks. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) Stephanie Keith Getty Images Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 04: People participate in the Fourth of July festivities on July 4, 2019 in Washington, DC. President Trump is holding a "Salute to America" celebration on the National Mall on Independence Day this year with musical performances, a military flyover, and fireworks. (Photo by Stephanie Keith/Getty Images) Stephanie Keith Getty Images Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures A woman waves while holding a large US flag AFP/Getty Images Washington DC's Independence Day Parade 2019 - In pictures People move a statue depicting U.S. President Donald Trump REUTERS

Another photojournalist, Zach Roberts, said police directed the Proud Boys to a conservative bar and joined them in their chant: “I like beer”

The opposing communist group burnt two American flags, while chanting “burn baby burn”, and shouting “America was never great”.

The group calls for revolution in the US and the overthrow of capitalism.

None of the Proud Boys were arrested, according to reports, and two police officers were injured.

The US Secret Service said: “At approximately 5.30pm today US Secret Service uniformed division officers responded to an incident that occurred on Pennsylvania Avenue involving an individual who was burning an American flag outside the limits of a permit that had been issued by the National Park Service.

“Two individuals were arrested, one for felony assault on a police officer and malicious burning, the other for obstructing a police investigation and resisting arrest.

“One individual was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries … Two officers with the Secret Service Uniformed Division received minor injuries while attempting to make arrests and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.”