Thousands of people surround Ecuador's national palace hours after a rebellion led by indigenous indians backed by the military.

Cars were set on fire during demonstrations in the town of Guayaquil, where a group of leftist-led unions, student organisations and neighbourhood associations seized the provincial government building.

Police arrest looters, who took advantage of the emotionally charged atmosphere on the streets of the capital.

The indigenous leader Antonio Vargas (right) - a member of the new junta - salutes Ecuadoreans from a government balcony in Quito.

A crowd celebrates in Independence square in Quito after the announcement that a Government of National Salvation - led by a three-person junta - was being set up.

The unpopular president, Jamil Mahuad, the palace where he worked and lived, after announcing he would not bow to demands for his resignation.