Tear gas flies as citizens face off with police at Peru mine protest

Violence spilled over in southern Peru on Wednesday as riot police used tear gas on angry residents who are protesting against a copper mine project. According to reports, riot police moved in to clear protesters who were blocking a highway in the Arequipa region as part of their demonstration.

A number of police were reported injured in the stand-off. Locals are angry at the Southern Copper mine project that they say project will destroy the local environment. But the government says the project follows regulations and will benefit the region's economy.