Australian prime minister caught in protests

Julia Gillard clung to her bodyguard as she was dragged off her feet away from a crowd of angry protesters in Canberra on Australia Day.

In extraordinary scenes, riot police were called in and formed a shield around the prime minister as she made a hasty escape outside a citizenship ceremony.

The dramatic shots showed the flustered PM losing her shoe as her security escort ran a gauntlet through about 200 protesters.

For many Aboriginal people Australia Day is considered 'Invasion Day' and tensions run high during the national holiday.

(All images AAP)