Clashes erupt in Santiago, Chile

Thousands of protesters clash with police on Monday in the Chilean capital.

The violence broke out during a demonstration to show support for residents protesting in southern Chile demanding more social benefits.

Police use tear gas and water cannons in an attempt to disperse the crowds, who had blocked a main avenue in Santiago.

Protests began Friday in southern Chile's Patagonia, after negotiations with the government for more social benefits failed.

Here, dozens of transport workers block a highway with their vehicles.

Community and workers' organisations are demanding better health care access, fuel subsidies, education and improvements to infrastructure in the region, some 1000 miles south of the capital.

Travis Brecher, Reuters