Washington, Apr 29 (IANS): Scores of protesters took to the streets outside Donald Trump campaign event in California, drawing out police officers in riot and tactical gear to disperse the crowd.

The crowd gathered in the streets outside the OC Fair and Event Centre as Republican front-runner Trump addressed several thousand supporters on Thursday night, CNN reported.

The scuffles broke out between Trump supporters who were leaving the rally and people in the streets who accused them of being racists.

At least one police car was damaged and several scuffles broke out amid the hectic scene.

Protesters blocked a main intersection, impeding traffic, and officers with the Orange County Sheriff's Department and Costa Mesa Police Department worked to disperse the crowd, ordering protesters out of the streets.

About 20 people were arrested, the Sheriff's Department tweeted late Thursday night after the protests had cleared.

Several protesters told CNN they were demonstrating against Trump's rhetoric on illegal immigration.

Some were seen carrying Mexican flags as they marched in the street. Other demonstrators shouted insults and slurs at police officers.