Riot police have used tear gas and stun grenades to break up violent protests in Washington DC on Donald Trump's inauguration day.

Video showed loud bangs as lines of officers penned in a group of demonstrators, many wearing black hoods or face masks, who had earlier smashed shop and car windows.

People could be seen running from downtown Washington with their arms held up as the riot police moved in.

Around 150 protesters were thought to be involved in clashes at a Bank of America branch and a McDonald's restaurant before the inauguration ceremony.

Image: A limo is set on fire as protesters clash with police in Washington DC Image: Firefighters move in to extinguish the blaze Image: The fire sent smoke billowing across 13th Street, downtown Washington DC Image: Demonstrators recoil as they are targeted with a flash-bang grenade Image: Crowds of activists set light to bins and newspaper stands Image: More than 90 people were arrested during the unrest Image: Around 28,000 officers were deployed to a three square mile area of downtown DC Image: Police fire a stun grenade at demonstrators Image: A 'Make America Great Again' hat is set alight during the protest Image: Police fire pepper spray at a large group of masked protesters Image: Anti-Trump demonstrators flee as riot police close in Image: A demonstrator is held to the floor and handcuffed by riot police /

The group chanted "hands up, don't shoot" as they were cordoned off.


District of Columbia police chief Peter Newsham said 217 people have been arrested and charged with rioting, while six officers suffered minor injuries during the demonstrations.

Reports said some protesters had broken up chunks of pavement to use as missiles.

Sky News US Correspondent Hannah Thomas-Peter, speaking from the scene, said a large line of police officers was moving the protesters away with a National Guard Humvee was at the site of the clashes.

Anti-Trump protesters smash windows before inauguration

She said: "This is turning into a bit of a nightmare for the police. There are a number of corners they have now gained control of because they are "kettling" the protesters very successfully.

"If there is a security organisation here in the US it probably has a presence here on the streets of DC."

The US Secret Service, Washington police and other law enforcement agencies have around 28,000 officers in a roughly three square mile area of downtown DC.

The violence took place blocks away from the parade route Mr Trump will travel along as he goes to the White House following his inauguration.

Image: Riot police cordon off a group of protesters who had been throwing missiles in downtown Washington DC

Demonstrators wearing orange jumpsuits with black hoods over their faces - representing prisoners in the US detention facility at Guantanamo Bay - were earlier at one security checkpoint before the ceremony.

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Other groups including Black Lives Matter and feminist organisations were among other protesters ahead of the ceremony.

More demonstrations took place as the inauguration day continued, including a DisruptJ20 march from Columbus Circle outside Union Station to McPherson Square three blocks from the White House.

Anti Trump protests north of parade route at checkpoints becoming bad tempered. Police are trying to pull lines of protesters apart. — Hannah Thomas-Peter (@hannahtpsky) January 20, 2017

Protesters being blocked in by police. Riot squads waiting at sides. pic.twitter.com/Yh3eyK4p11 — Hannah Thomas-Peter (@hannahtpsky) January 20, 2017

Alli McCracken, 28, DisruptJ20 protest organiser, said the demonstrations were over Mr Trump's comments about women, immigrants and Muslims.

She said: "We have a lot of people of diverse backgrounds who are against US imperialism and we feel Trump will continue that legacy."

Image: A 'Make America Great Again' hat is set alight during an anti-Trump protest

Supporters of Mr Trump lined up at checkpoints before dawn to take their places along the route of the parade, with cheers heard as he and wife Melania arrived at the White House, where he met with Barack Obama.

Obama greets Trump before inauguration

Some of the demonstrations attempted to block access to the checkpoints.

Clashes took place on Thursday evening outside the National Press Club in central Washington DC, with police using chemical spray to disperse protesters.

Further protests are planned for Saturday, when a massive Women's March on Washington will take place.

Barack Obama waves on his last day in White House

Inauguration day protests are not unique to Mr Trump.

Richard Nixon's first and second terms drew memorable protests, with demonstrations over the Vietnam War before his second stint in the White House.

During President George W Bush's inauguration in 2001, demonstrators turned their back as the president passed by along the parade route, with others holding signs including "Hail To The Thief" in reference to his election over Democrat Al Gore.

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Watch continuing coverage of President Trump's first days in office on Sky News.