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One of America's most prestigious universities went into lockdown after a protest against a far-right speaker and Trump supporter turned violent.

Hundreds of anti-fascists had gathered to voice their objection to the appearance of Breibart News editor Milo Yiannopoulos - a prominent supporter of President Trump.

But hours before he was due to appear, the scene turned violent when a number of masked anarchists began hurling fireworks into the building.

(Image: Fox10 Phoenix) (Image: Fox10 Phoenix) (Image: Fox10 Phoenix)

Windows were smashed, a lamppost pulled down and a generator set on fire as the scene grew increasingly tense.

Police warned the crowd to disperse and appeared to fire rubber bullets.

School officials said on Twitter after the protest erupted that the speech by Yiannopoulos had been cancelled and that the campus was on lockdown.

(Image: Fox10 Phoenix) (Image: Fox10 Phoenix) (Image: Fox10 Phoenix)

Yiannopoulos wrote on his Facebook page: "I have been evacuated from the UC Berkely campus after violent left-wing protestors tore down barricades, lit fires, threw rocks and Roman candles at the windows and breached the ground floor of the building.

"My team and I are safe. But the event has been cancelled."

A similar protest led to a speech by Yiannopoulos being cancelled at the University of California Davis just weeks ago.