Brazil protesters clash with police in Sao Paulo

Protesters gather in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Tuesday, June 18, 2013. Some of the biggest demonstrations since the end of Brazil’s 1964-85 dictatorship have broken out across this continent-sized country, uniting multitudes frustrated by poor transportation, health services, education and security despite a heavy tax burden. AP PHOTO/NELSON ANTOINE

SAO PAULO—Protesters surrounding the city hall of Brazil’s biggest city clashed with police Tuesday when a small group of demonstrators tried to force their way into the building.

GloboNews television network showed images of protesters in Sao Paulo using metal barriers to smash windows and doors. Municipal guards with shields retreated into the building as they came under attack from some of the demonstrators.

GloboNews says Sao Paulo Mayor Fernando Haddad was not in City Hall at the time.

Tuesday’s protest was the sixth major demonstration in Sao Paulo since last week.

Protests initially were sparked by a 10-cent hike in bus and subway fares this month. But demonstrations have spread throughout Brazil and added grievances over poor government services, high taxes and corruption.