WASHINGTON RIOTS: Chaos as TEAR GAS and GRENADES thrown at Trump inauguration protesters

'Flash bang' grenades were thrown into rioting crowds as outnumbered police officers tried to bring order to the streets close to the Capitol.

Tear gas was thrown at protestors as police chased them through the streets of Washington, just one hour before official proceedings began.

But hours after the ceremony, violence continued.

Chaos erupted downtown in the city as miles from the suits and ties in the Capitol, hooded men and women are marching, throwing over bins, smashing windows and spray-painting buildings.

Police chased them with batons forcing the crowd to disperse across the streets.

Those caught were were doused with pepper spray.

As scenes became increasingly out of control units from the US army were called in.

Those on the streets have said they are in the middle of a "riot".

Cassandra Fairbanks

Shop windows smashed by rioters in Washington

Images of smashed shop fronts and car windows have appeared on social media.

Trump has been inaugurated as the 45th President of the United States in a grand ceremony in Washington DC.

Trump's 35-word swearing-in took place on a 10,000 square foot specially-built platform in front of the Capitol that holds 1,600 people.

Outside the White House counter protest groups condemned or celebrated the billionaire businessman becoming president of the United States.

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Windows shattered as anti-Trump protesters cause mayhem and leave customers hiding under tables

Sky News

Washington streets in chaotic scenes as police chase protesters with grenades

NC

Police on the streets are swarming around protestors after some turned violent

PROTESTS at Trump's Inauguration Day
Fri, January 20, 2017

Protestors were chased through the streets of Washington as violent scenes broke out close to the Donald Trump inauguration in Washington.

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On Thursday evening, protesters clashed with police outside a pro-Donald Trump black tie event, called the 'DeploraBall'.

Footage posted on social media appeared to show police in riot gear using pepper spray and tear gas to disperse the protesters.

He will be being watched by thousands of security officials, police, FBI agents and will be being covered by snipers.

Uniformed officers have lined the streets in a bid to keep the crowds calm, while support in full riot gear wait behind them.

Earlier reports suggested there will be snipers waiting on roofs above Washington and scene kilometres around the White House blocked to cars.

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Donald Trump will be inaugurated as the 45th president of the US with wife Melania by his side

REUTERS

Crowds gathered in Washington are being watched over by thousands of police and security

REUTERS

Trump supporters stand along Pennsylvania Avenue for the singing of the national anthem

Dump trucks carrying sand have also been brought in to block streets.

At one checkpoint, Black Lives Matter protesters were chanting “Shut it down” before five men chained themselves together, preventing anyone from passing.

Trump supporters who have "lost friends" since visiting the ballot box said they were happy to be able to mix with others who believe in the new president.

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