Anarchists and anti-capitalists rampaged through rich Swiss cities today, smashing up shops and looting businesses in anger at world leaders meeting just beyond across the border in France.
In Lausanne, police fired tear gas and water cannon to drive crowds of demonstrators away from the hotel area where some delegates to the Group of Eight summit, being held across Lake Geneva in the French spa town, were staying.
Dozens of black-hooded protesters in Geneva blocked bridges with burning tyres after breaking into luxury stores and petrol stations overnight, daubing walls with slogans.
They hoped to stop delegates crossing the city but had little chance of disrupting the tightly guarded summit.
The violence threatened to overshadow peaceful marches nearby in which tens of thousands of people chanted slogans against the war in Iraq and world poverty.
Molotov cocktails were lobbed at the main theatre in Geneva, self-proclaimed "humanitarian capital" of the world that hosts major relief agencies - but which also attracts the world's ultra-rich with its discreet private banks and fine jewellers.
"We want these people arrested and punished. We want the population to be able to get on with a normal life," said Geneva councillor Mr Christian Ferrazino.
In Lausanne, protesters, many wearing balaclavas, masks and trademark anarchist black T-shirts, also targeted shops and petrol stations and chanted "No blood for oil", a clear reference to the U.S. invasion and occupation of Iraq.
Police eventually moved in, driving protesters towards the outskirts of the lakeside city and making a number of arrests.
Lausanne authorities said a previously authorised demonstration set for later in the day has now been banned and police have urged local residents to remain indoors.