13 September 2013 Last updated at 17:36 ET

Mexico teachers clash with police in Zocalo Square



Clashes have erupted in Mexico City as police started clearing a major square which was being occupied by striking teachers.

Hundreds of police, backed up by tanks and helicopters, had surrounded the protesters and set a deadline.

Shortly after 16:00 local time (21:00GMT), officers broke through the barricades set by the teachers.

The authorities said they wanted to clear Zocalo Square for the upcoming Independence Day celebrations.

The teachers are demanding changes in the education reforms approved earlier this week by President Enrique Pena Nieto, and follow months of demonstrations against the plans.

The main teachers' union says the reforms violate its members' rights. Performance-related tests are among the changes being introduced.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-24089051