Demonstrators in Chile looted a Roman Catholic church Friday amid weeks of violent unrest triggered by a proposed four-cent subway fare hike that has since evolved into larger dissatisfaction over income inequality.

The hooded vandals were spotted by an Associated Press photographer dragging church pews, religious statues and iconography onto the street in the capital city of Santiago and lighting them on fire.

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In the city's main square nearby, thousands of demonstrators waved national flags as they continued to clash with riot police.

At least 20 people have died since protests began last month.

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Two female police officers were set on fire Monday when Molotov cocktails were thrown in their direction. Other demonstrators have thrown rocks at authorities, who have responded with water cannons and tear gas.

On Thursday, Chilean President Sebastián Piñera announced tougher measures to quell the violence and stiffen penalties for vandalism in an effort to restore social order.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.