Pipe-wielding government supporters have stormed Venezuela's opposition-controlled congress, attacking and besieging lawmakers in the country's latest flare-up of political violence.
The Wednesday melee, which injured seven opposition politicians, was another flashpoint in a traumatic three months for the South American nation, which has been shaken by protests against socialist President Nicolas Maduro.
At least 90 people have died in the unrest.
National Assembly president Julio Borges said more than 350 politicians, journalists and guests were trapped in the siege that lasted until dusk.
"There are bullets, cars destroyed including mine, bloodstains around the (congress) palace," he told reporters.
"The violence in Venezuela has a name and surname: Nicolas Maduro."
The crowd had gathered just after dawn outside the building in downtown Caracas, chanting in favour of Maduro.
In the late morning, several dozen people ran past the gates with pipes, sticks and stones and went on the attack.
Several injured lawmakers stumbled bloodied and dazed around the assembly's corridors.
After the morning attack, a crowd of about 100 people, many dressed in red and shouting "Long Live The Revolution!", trapped people inside for hours, witnesses say.
Some in the crowd outside brandished pistols and threatened to cut water and power supplies.
The worst-hurt lawmaker, Americo De Grazia, was knocked unconscious before being taken away by ambulance.
His family says he is out of critical condition.
In a speech during a military parade for Independence Day, Maduro condemned the "strange" violence and asked for an investigation.
Numerous foreign nations repudiated Wednesday's events, including Mexico, Colombia, the US and Britain.
Venezuela's opposition is demanding general elections to end socialist rule and solutions to the nation's brutal economic crisis.
The government says its foes are seeking a violent coup with US support.
