Several Venezuelan politicians have been badly hurt after pro-government supporters weilding sticks and metal bars stormed the national assembly.

The melee came during a special session to mark the South American country’s independence day.

More than 350, politicians, journalists and guest were trapped for several hours inside the legislature following the unrest.

Laying blame squarely on the government, the president of the opposition controlled congress Julio Borges said, “The
violence in Venezuela has a name and surname: Nicolas Maduro.”

Borges added, “Whoever sees these images from today in the National Assembly, it’s possible that they get confused and think we’re facing a strong government. They’re wrong. A government that does what they did today with their parliament is a weak government, is a fallen government, is a cowardly government. “

The bloody attack, the latest in a worsening cycle of violence in Venezuela, is said to have taken place in plain view of guards tasked with protecting the legislature.

Rowdy pro Government groups burst inside #Venezuela Congress on its Independence Day. Several lawmakers hurt #5Jul. Video: CaraotaDigital pic.twitter.com/fdixVvln8P— Mariana_Atencio (marianaatencio) July 5, 2017

President Maduro condemned the unrest. Describing it as “strange”, he vowed to investigate.