In pictures: Violence at G20 protests

A demonstrator reviews a photo on her phone while a fire burns in the middle of townGetty Images

There were fierce clashes between anti-G20 protesters and the police, and the situation was considered too volatile to allow US First Lady Melania Trump to attend a tour with the other G20 spouses.

Demonstrators walk in the street while a fire burns in the middle of town during an anti-G20 protest on July 7, 2017 in Hamburg, GermanyGetty Images

Far-left extremists threw rocks, set light to barricades and looted shops. Hamburg's police described the situation as "very serious".

A protester in sunglasses throws stones at riot police on July 7, 2017 in Hamburg, northern GermanyAFP

It is thought there are about 100,000 anti-G20 protesters in Hamburg - but only a small proportion are taking part in the violence.

Riot police are reflected in water on July 7, 2017 in Hamburg, northern Germany,AFP

About 20,000 officers are on duty over the course of the G20.

A protester is seen through smashed glass looting what appears to be a supermarket in HamburgReuters

Protesters have set cars alight, smashed windows and fired flares at police helicopters.

Two protesters outlined against the smoke during riots in HamburgAFP

They are protesting about a range of issues, including climate change, global wealth inequalities and the presence of Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin at the summit.

A man lies on the ground as riot police use water cannon against protesters on July 7AFP

Police have been using water cannons to disperse protesters and put out the fires.

Barricades burn as protesters clash with riot police during the protests at the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, July 7, 2017.Reuters

German Chancellor Angela Merkel condemned the violence, saying it was "unacceptable" to "put peoples' lives in danger, put the protesters' own lives in danger".

A protester goes to throw something in HamburgReuters

Friday night's protests were the latest in a series of demonstrations which began before the world leaders had even arrived.

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