35 held as anti-Donald Trump protests get violent

San Diego police officers arrest a man protesting against Republican presidential hopeful Donald Trump after he held a rally in San Diego, California. (Photo: AFP)

Hundreds of Donald Trump supporters and protesters clashed outside an election rally of the presumptive Republican presidential nominee in San Diego as the police in riot gear arrested 35 people in the second scuffle in three days to hit his campaign.

People from both sides screamed at each other and threw water bottles as the police tried to control the situation, firing pepper-balls.

The clash between pro and anti-Trump groups occurred after the Republican leader ended his speech in San Diego in the western California state on Firday, with several people throwing stones and plastic bottles, some that hit police officers.

The police were deployed in riot gear as the billionaire from New York addressed a massive rally at a convention centre.

After issuing orders to the crowd of roughly 1,000 to disperse, the police began forcefully and aggressively pushing protesters who were waving Mexican flags and holding anti-Trump signs. Some protesters also scaled barriers, according to reports.

At least 35 people were arrested, the police said, adding that no property damage was reported and no injuries were reported.

“Crowd behaviour has become unlawful. An unlawful assembly has now been declared. It is illegal to remain in the area,” the San Diego police said in a situational update, adding its forces would be deployed till late in the night.