In pictures: Mexico teachers protest

Groups of protesters break the windows of the PRI party's office in Chilpancingo, Guerrero on 24 April 2013 — Image caption,
Mexican teachers angered by the planned introduction of a sweeping education reform attacked government offices in the western state of Guerrero on Wednesday.

Firefighters try to extinguish a fire at the PRI party offices in Chilpancingo

The protest, which lasted for hours, quickly turned violent with groups of masked protesters breaking into the offices of the governing party and setting them alight.

Protesters burn a picture of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto

The protesters accuse the government of President Enrique Pena Nieto of betraying them by introducing stricter checks on their profession, such as a centralised teacher assessments.

Teachers march on the main highway between Mexico City and Acapulco on 18 April 2013

The latest outbreak of violence comes after weeks of demonstrations, which blocked major highways in the state of Guerrero.

Protester carrying an axe and wearing a skeleton mask marches against education reform on 18 April 2013

The teachers fear the reforms could lead to many of their jobs being axed and pave the way for the privatisation of Mexico's education system.

A man with two children holds up a sign saying: "I support my teachers because I can read and write and am in my first year of primary."

The government argues the reforms will cut down on corruption and the common practice of buying and selling of teaching positions.

Federal police and teachers clash during a protest in April 2013

After Wednesday's violence, the government said it would no longer tolerate any vandalism and would bring down "the full weight of the law" on those who destroyed property.