Brazilian truckers clash with riot police

SAO PAULO: Buildings were set ablaze and tear gas fired when protesting truckers clashed with riot police on Friday at a major Sao Paulo market area over the introduction of paid parking.

"Some 300 people set fire to two vehicles and pieces of wood used to carry fruit," said a spokesman for the military police in Brazil's largest city. "Four battalions of riot police were mobilized on site. The situation is back under control."

Police fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse protesters from the warehouse area in western Sao Paulo, considered the largest supply center in Latin America for the sale of wholesale food and retail.

Angry demonstrators also prevented fire trucks from getting to burning vehicles and buildings.