Demonstrators in Chile clashed with police Saturday despite a state of emergency declared to deal with Santiago's worst violence years.

The day started with thousands of Chileans banging pots and pans in Santiago and other cities in the latest expression of anger over social and economic woes.

Chilean firefighters extinguish burning buses during clashes between protesters and the riot police in Santiago, on October 19, 2019.Chile's president declared a state of emergency in Santiago Friday night and gave the military responsibility for security
Chilean firefighters extinguish burning buses during clashes between protesters and the riot police in Santiago, on October 19, 2019.Chile's president declared a state of emergency in Santiago Friday night and gave the military responsibility for security after a day of violent protests over an increase in the price of metro tickets. AFP / Martin BERNETTI

But this gave way to clashes between hooded demonstrators and riot police and soldiers in several areas of the Chilean capital, AFP observed.

Protesters again set buses on fire in downtown Santiago.

Clashes also erupted in Plaza Italia, which was ground zero of Friday's violence, and outside the presidential palace.