Trump’s inauguration marred by violence as riots erupt in cities across America

 Protestors took to the streets [Photo: Courtesy]

Huge numbers of protesters took to the streets in cities across America as Donald Trump became the 45th President.

Violent clashes erupted in Washington, where Trump was sworn-in at midday on Friday, and police made more than 200 arrests.

Marches took place in cities including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Portland and Nashville as well as in neighbouring Mexico.

Thousands turned out in Mexico City where Donald Trump effigies were burnt in the street or slapped by angry locals.

There were tense scenes at some demonstrations with police firing tear gas and making arrests.

Earlier there was chaos in Washington as protesters set the American flag on fire in the middle of the street while armed with crowbars and batons.

Riot police deployed tear gas and stun grenades in a bid to disperse the crowds in a protest that is being described as the most violent and angry yet.

A DC Police Department spokesman said 217 protesters had been arrested, all charged with rioting and due in court on Saturday.

A group of masked activists were filmed smashing windows of shops as they run through the streets of the city with flags bearing the anarchist symbol.

One man dressed in black smashed the window of a McDonald's with a hammer, while others tipped over bins.

Confrontations began an hour before Trump took the oath of office and escalated several hours later as the crowds swelled to more than 1,000, some wearing gas masks and with arms chained together.

The city has been compared to a "war zone" as protesters reportedly set alight bus stations while shouting "this is what a police state looks like".

A couple of police officers have been injured and taken to hospital.

Pictures of egged buildings and shattered ATMs are being posted on Twitter amid reports of looting.