Violent outbursts mark May Day across the world

Hundreds of anti-globalisation demonstrators are expected to gather at the Irish Stock Exchange in central Dublin to mark International Workers Day.

However, today's rally is likely to be a relatively low-key affair when compared to protests overseas.

In Australia 38, people were arrested by police in Sydney and Brisbane following demonstrations there.

Tensions are also high in Berlin where water cannons were used on gathering crowds in a bid to prevent a massive street presence.

About 40 people were arrested when some 500 protestors erected barricades, set fires and threw rocks and bottles at German police and demonstrations by far-left militants have been banned.

In London, up to 10,000 activists are expected to gather with nearly 6,000 police officers braced for action.