Chile’s capital has been rocked by its worst anti-government violence in weeks after stone-throwing protesters clashed with police in running battles across the city.

Demonstrators returned to Santiago’s Plaza Italia to rally against economic inequality and condemn the government of right-wing billionaire president Sebastian Pinera.

By nightfall a group of hooded men clashed with riot officers in nearby streets, hurling rocks and firing projectiles with slingshots.

Elsewhere in the city protesters built barricades and set them alight before being dispersed by police using tear gas and water cannons.