Student protest dissolves into clashes in Chile

ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)

STORY: Clashes erupted on Thursday between student demonstrators and police in the Chilean capital of Santiago.

Some protesters hurled rocks and objects at police and police vehicles, while others scrambled to avoid the violence.

Several arrests were made, and police used water cannon and tear gas in efforts to disperse the crowds.

Frustrated at Sebastian's Pinera's government's failure to deliver what they consider to be an adequate response to their demands, Chile's students have led regular protests calling for wide-ranging education reforms for over a year.

While larger student organisations, such as the Confederation of Chilean Student Federations, announced that protests would be suspended until the next year, Thursday's unauthorized demonstration was reportedly led by anarchist off-shoots from the wider student movement.

Tuition costs in Chile are among the highest in the world and many are demanding free schooling for all.