Hundreds of demonstrators have rioted outside the US embassy in Mexico City as US President George W Bush reaches the last stage of his Latin America tour.

As the president is not in Mexico City, the rioters turned their anger against the US embassy instead.

Protesters burned US flags and hurled stones at police guarding the building. The security forces used tear gas to disperse them.

Several people were injured, including a number of police officers.

Most are protesting against the war in Iraq, rather than President Bush's policies on Latin America.

At least 30 demonstrators were arrested in the eastern city of Merida, near where Mr Bush held talks with his Mexican counterpart, Felipe Calderon.

There have been protests at every stage of Mr Bush's seven-day Latin American tour.