The government, in the country’s worst crisis since a wave of mutinies shook the country in 2011, later announced it was calling off the vote.

Police and soldiers, out in force after mass rallies earlier this week, failed to stop the onslaught despite using tear gas against the protesters.

Black smoke billowed out of smashed windows at the parliament building, where several offices were ravaged by flames, although the main chamber so far appeared to be unscathed.

Several hundred protesters also broke into the headquarters of the national television station RTB, pillaging equipment and smashing cars, correspondents said.

Crowds of people later massed near the presidential palace but were being held back by troops from the presidential guard who fired warning shots into the air.

The ruling party headquarters in the second city of Bobo Dioulasso and the city hall was also torched by protesters, witnesses said.

The United States said it was “deeply concerned” about the crisis and criticised the attempts to alter the constitution, while France appealed for calm and said it “deplored” the violence.

Senegal meanwhile advised its citizens in Burkina Faso to stay indoors.

– Anger at ‘constitutional coup’ –

The legislature had been due to examine a proposed amendment that would allow Compaore to run for re-election in November 2015.

His bid to cling to power has angered many, including young people in a country where 60 percent of the population of almost 17 million is under 25.