Washington protest: rock-throwing activists target President Trump's inauguration parade

Rock-throwing protesters clashed with riot police near the parade route following President Trump’s inauguration.

More than 90 arrests have been made and police were deploying pepper spray to try and drive back rioters in a tense stand-off.

Some mask-wearing demonstrators shouting anti-Trump slogans threw large rocks and pieces of cement at a phalanx of armed officers with riot shields.

Canisters of pepper spray were thrown by police to break-up groups of youths.

They also used tear gas. At least two police officers were injured in the melee.

Some officers gave chase to a group off about 100 protesters who smashed the windows of businesses including a Starbucks, McDonald’s and Bank of America.

Police said in a statement that a group damaged vehicles, destroyed property and set small fires while armed with crowbars and hammers.

‘Numerous’ people were arrested and charged with rioting.

The first confrontation came about one hour before the president was sworn in across the city on the National Mall and about 1,000 people gathered at the scene - at 12th and L Street in the northwest of the downtown area - with some wearing gas masks.

Ominously, one protester boasted they were ‘bringing in the cavalry,’ according to ABC News.

With the formal parade yet to begin, police were preparing for more trouble.

Several protests are planned along the route although organizers insisted they would be peaceful demonstrations against the new president.