Violence continued for the third day in Indonesia today (October 8) as riots spread across the country following a controversial employment law.

Footage shows thousands of protesters gathering in the capital Jakarta during rallies against the 'omnibus law' passed by the government on Monday to boost investment amid the Covid-19 downturn but which critics claim will harm workers' rights.

Bus shelters were set alight while in Tangerang City, Banten province, a police caw was attacked by crowds.

Hundreds of protesters were detained and police forces intercepted thousands of demonstrators who were heading to the State Palace as the unrest escalated.

Protesters pelted police with stones as officers responded by firing tear gas.

Demonstrators damaged and burned the police shelter around the Patung Kuda and Harmoni area. They also burned Transjakarta bus stops in the Bundaran Hotel Indonesia area.

Outside of Jakarta, riots have exploded in cities in a number of provinces during the last three days.

The wave of demonstrations began when the Indonesian parliament passed an employment law which was considered to threaten workers' rights and the environment.

However, ministers claim the changes are needed in order to ease bureaucracy and boost investment as the country struggles from the economic impact of the Covid-19 coronavirus.