Brazil Carnival Contest Ends In Samba Punch-Up

Brazil's Sao Paulo carnival parade contest ended in riots after a man stole and destroyed the judges' results.

As crowds waited to hear which samba school would be named the winner, a man jumped over security gates surrounding the judges and grabbed their results - tearing them up as he made his getaway.

The man appeared to be a member of Imperio de Casa Verde samba school, which did not look set to be placed in one of the top spots.

A mob quickly formed, knocking over tables, damaging the trophies and fighting amongst themselves.

Despite swift police action the violence spilled out onto the highway- with rioters setting fire to carnival floats and trying to tear down metal barriers.

The man who sparked the violence was arrested and is being held without bail, according to local reports.