Riot police clash with May Day protesters around the world as unions and masked labour activists take to the streets with petrol bombs to 'fight capitalism'

Police clashed with May Day protesters in riots across the world as unions and masked labour activists took to the streets with petrol bombs to 'fight capitalism'.

Police fired tear gas at demonstrators as protests overshadowed the start of the Milan Expo, a global fair the government had been hoped would help to put a new face on Italy after years of economic decline.

Turkish police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse protesters in Istanbul as tens of thousands of activists turned out worldwide, claiming to be defending their rights at a time of austerity.

At least 136 protesters were arrested in the city, where furious demonstrators attacked riot police and started fires in the streets.

Police blocked all vehicle access and public transport links to prevent the protesters reaching Taksim Square, a traditional focus for protests in the country's largest city.

Equally violent protests broke out across the world as tens of thousands of angry protesters gathered in Italy, Greece, South Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan to vent their fury at austerity measures, unpopular labour reforms and high taxes.

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