LA police 'inappropriate' says chief after immigration clashes

LOS ANGELES (AFP) — Los Angeles police chief William Bratton on Wednesday promised an investigation into clashes that marred immigration protests, suggesting there had been "inappropriate" behavior by officers.

Television images showed baton-wielding police in riot gear clubbing journalists and firing rubber bullets after scuffles broke out following a day-long rally involving several thousand protesters on Tuesday.

Around 10 protesters suffered minor injuries, Los Angeles Fire Department officials told local media, while police said 15 officers were hurt.

Bratton, who was appointed five years ago with a brief to clean up the Los Angeles Police Department's image, said he would seek to hold an "open" internal inquiry into the violence.

Bratton also hinted that after watching footage of the incident police may have over-reacted.

"Some of what I've seen as chief of the department does not look appropriate," Bratton told local radio station KNX.

Bratton ...