Confrontations between police and university students end in 18 arrests in Valdivia

VALDIVIA.- 18 arrests have been made so far after a series of confrontations this morning between National Police officers and university students in Valdivia.

The incidents occurred just outside of the Miraflores campus of the Austral University, which has been taken over by protesting students for more than a month.

Today, student demonstrators installed barricades, set fire to tires and burned pieces of firewood, prompting police to intervene.

Upon arrival, law enforcement officials entered the premises and arrested 18 students after a group of police officers became the target of a can full of paint.

Those who were detained, some of which are injured and bloodied as a result of the tear gas bombs that were used, are currently being held at the Valdivia police station.

According to Radio Bio Bio, the situation has been controlled and authorities are waiting to see if an order to clear the area will be issued by the rectory.