Zurich/Lausanne, Switzerland - Police and anti-capitalist protestors clashed in Zurich and Lausanne Thursday after thousands of marchers took to the streets across Swiss cities in traditional May Day demonstrations.

In Zurich, where up to 10,000 people took part, police used rubber bullets and water canons after being confronted by around 250 left-wing extremists throwing stones and bottles, according to the Swiss wire agency ATS/SDA. Around 20 people were arrested.

Police were also looking for a motorist who drove off after driving his car into the crowd injuring two people.

In Lausanne a McDonald's restaurant was evacuated after it became a target for protestors who smashed windows. (dpa)