Chile's students clash with police as protests intensify

Demonstrators shout slogans as a riot police vehicle releases a jet of water during an unauthorized march called by secondary students to protest against government education reforms in Valparaiso, Chile, May 26, 2016. REUTERS/Rodrigo Garrido

SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Police clashed with student demonstrators in the streets of Chile's capital Santiago on Thursday, in the latest protest by university and high school pupils who say the government is moving too slowly on planned reforms.

During the march, which authorities had not authorized, students attempted to walk along the Alameda, Santiago's main artery, and demonstrate in front of La Moneda presidential palace. But heavily armoured police officers dispersed the crowd with water cannon and tear gas, as protesters threw stones and set up flaming barricades.