Toronto police used tear gas and arrested 75 when a violent mob tried to hijack a peaceful protest by some 10,000 people against the G20 summit here Saturday, the city's police chief said."We have never seen this level of wanton criminality on our streets," chief Bill Blair told a press conference hours after the protest, adding police were still scouring the streets fearing more trouble.
Some 10,000 people marched against the G20 summit Saturday demonstrating in favor of social causes, in a largely peacefully rally until violence erupted on its fringes.
The main body of the march was a well-marshaled event, led by older activists and organized labor, but splinter groups of young hardliners scuffled with riot officers and set fire to three patrol cars. At least three more vehicles and windows in downtown Toronto's financial district were damaged, and the air was thick with the smell of vinegar-soaked rags used to ward off police tear gas.
Firefighters moved in to douse the flames, but chaos erupted nearby as police forced back protestors and bystanders were caught in the action.