Trump rally in Chicago postponed for safety reasons

[CHICAGO] A campaign rally of US presidential candidate Donald Trump scheduled for Friday night (March 11) in Chicago was called off as the crowd of thousands who gathered, including both supporters of the Republican front-runner and those who came to protest his candidacy, grew rowdy.

A Trump staffer took the stage nearly a half hour after the rally was slated to begin and told the crowd that the event would be postponed for safety reasons.

He did not say when or if it would be rescheduled. After the announcement was made, the crowd began to chant and cheer.

Scuffles broke out as signs were ripped from hands and police moved in to break up areas with the most serious conflicts.

"We dumped Trump! We dumped Trump!" could be heard inside the University of Illinois at Chicago pavilion where the event was held.

"We want Trump! We want Trump!" was yelled by an opposing group.

In a statement, Trump said that "for the safety of all of the tens of thousands of people that have gathered in and around the arena, tonight's rally will be postponed to another date".

CNN estimated there were between 8,500 to 10,000 people in the arena when tensions erupted into chaos.

News footage showed police wearing body armour escorting groups of people out of the building, as scuffles and angry confrontations broke out throughout the building between Trump's supporters and protesters.

REUTERS/AFP