By Zjan Shirinian

Violence broke out during the rush hour in Rio ©Getty ImagesFebruary 7 - Violence has erupted in Rio de Janeiro with riot police firing tear gas and at least seven people hurt, one seriously, after protests about a planned increase in bus fares.

Protesters angry about the cost of the FIFA World Cup this year were also among hundreds of people who stormed Central Station.

Riot police used batons and tear gas in an effort to disperse the crowds.

A cameraman is in a serious condition in hospital after being struck on the head by an exploding object, Brazilian newspaper O Globo has reported.

Six other people were also reportedly injured during the rush-hour clashes yesterday in the Brazilian city, with at least 20 arrested.

The demonstration had started peacefully, with hundreds marching from the Candelaria cathedral to Central Station.

But things soon turned violent.

Video from inside the station shows some protesters vandalising ticket machines and jumping the gates, as riot police tried to take control.

At least 20 people were reportedly arrested during the violent clashes ©Getty ImagesAt least 20 people were reportedly arrested during the violent clashes ©Getty Images



O Globo reports the injured cameraman has undergone an operation to control bleeding in his head. 

A single bus fare in the city is set to go up tomorrow from 2.75 reais (£0.70/$1.20) to 3 reais (£0.80/$1.30).

It is not the first time in recent months that protesters have clashed with police.

During last year's Confederations Cup, more than a million people were estimated to have been involved in protests across the nation.

They were angry over rising transport costs, the country's ongoing issues with corruption and the cost of hosting the World Cup and the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro.

And last month, more than 100 people were arrested after cars were set on fire and buildings smashed in a protest in Sao Paulo over the cost of this summer's FIFA World Cup.

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