Shocking photo shows man engulfed by fireball as crowds clash with police in Venezuela

A man is engulfed with a fireball during the protests in Caracas
AFP/Getty Images

A fireball engulfs a protester as angry crowds clashed with police at an anti-government rally in Venezuela’s capital, Caracas.

Violence broke out as demonstrators were blocked from approaching a rally where president Nicolas Maduro addressed supporters on Wednesday.

Thousands of Venezuelans had taken to the streets in protest at President Maduro’s plan to rewrite the constitution.

The man caught fire as masked protesters hurled petrol bombs and stones at police, who responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and batons.

Thousands protested President Maduro's plans to rewrite the constitution
AP

According to local media reports he was set alight when a police motorcycle exploded.

Fellow protesters helped extinguish the flames and have him first aid.

Opposition activists and National Guard personnel clash during a protest
AFP/Getty Images

One person died in the violence, bringing the death toll to 34 during a month of unrest, amid shortages of food, medicine and basic goods.

Another protester was apparently run over after charging at a National Guard armoured car and two opposition politicians were also injured.

Opponents are angry that the socialist president wants to bypass the National Assembly to push through constitutional reforms that would strengthen his grip on power.

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