Protesters barricaded roads and burned tires in parts of Chile's capital, as a two-day national strike began against Sebastian Pinera, the country's unpopular president.

At least 18 flaming barricades were set up early on Wednesday morning, according to the Telam news service. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons. At least 2,000 officers were deployed in the city.

The strike, which was called for by Chile's main umbrella labour union in support of a massive demonstration movement for better access to cheaper and higher-quality education, started slow.