Thousands of migrants making their way towards the United States remain stuck on a river crossing between Guatemala and Mexico without food or water.

The migrants, part of a caravan of around 4,000 people, have vowed to remain there until Mexican authorities grant them entry into the country despite conditions on the bridge worsening with a growing pile up of rubbish and no bathrooms.

Tensions flared on the Suchiate river crossing late on Friday when the migrants attempted to force their way across the border and Mexican riot police threw tear gas at the crowd.

Meanwhile, many Hondurans, mostly men, swam across the river and remain on the riverbank on Saturday, on the Mexican side of the border, waiting for the rest of the caravan to cross.

Around 200 people who did manage cross, mainly women and children, were taken to an immigration centre, where their details were recorded.