Metallica step up security to thwart caracas riot

Heavy rockers Metallica have boosted security at their upcoming Caracas show in Venezuela in an effort to make sure there isn't a repeat of riots that soured recent shows in Chile and Colombia.

The band was set to hit the stage at the Rinconada stadium as WENN went to press and local fans claim the venue is overrun with police and security.

Metallica's South American tour has been dogged by violence - over 100 people were arrested when rioting broke out outside a concert in Santiago, Chile in January and police had to use water cannons to disperse the unruly fans.

Then, on Wednesday night 160 people were detained by cops and at least eight injured as hundreds of fans without tickets attempted to force their way into sold-out gig at Simon Bolivar Park in Bogata, Colombia.

According to local reports, three people were stabbed, a policeman injured, and more than 50 fans arrested, while property was vandalised and destroyed.