A state of emergency was declared on Saturday in Santiago, Chile due to unrest caused by protests over a public transportation fare hike.

The protesters, who were mostly high school and university students, became violent - starting fires, throwing stones, smashing police cars and burning a bus. Riot police used tear gas and batons against protestors but were violently resisted and police withdrew from some areas.

After a high-rise building belonging to an energy company was firebombed and engulfed in flames, Chilean President Sebastian Pinera declared a state of emergency.