Thousands of people took to the streets of Caracas on Saturday amid a nationwide power cut that has plunged crisis-hit Venezuela into further chaos and desperation for two days.

The capital bristled with the security forces of Nicolás Maduro as supporters of Juan Guaidó, the National Assembly leader recognised as the legitimate interim president by more than 50 countries, poured into the city centre.

It was a daring move by opponents of the Maduro government, both for the march’s unusual proximity to state installations and for it taking place amid the blackout that has almost entirely brought down the country’s communications.

The National Guard and riot police were out in force across the city, in some areas blocking the demonstrators’ passage.

The Telegraph counted eight army trucks full of soldiers and nine armoured vehicles and tanks in a convoy approaching the protest route.