PERU’S new president has declared a 30-day state of emergency in the capital, Lima, as the government struggles to contain heightened violent crime that has fuelled public anger and toppled the country’s previous leader.

The South American country has seen an increase in killings, violent extortion and attacks on public places in recent years.

Between January and September, police reported 1,690 homicides, up from 1,502 during the same period last year.

Former President Dina Boluarte was impeached earlier this month, after politicians accused her of failing to tackle the worsening violence.

She was replaced by Jose Jeri, formerly the leader of Congress.

On Tuesday, Mr Jeri said the emergency would allow soldiers to assist police and temporarily restrict rights such as freedom of assembly and movement.

“Wars are won with actions, not words,” he said, pledging a shift “from defence to offence” in the fight against crime.

Peru has seen major youth-led protests against violence and corruption in recent weeks.

Protesters rallied in Lima last week to demand the resignation of the new president.

The demonstration turned violent, leaving one civilian dead and about 100 people injured, including police officers and some journalists.

Mr Jeri said that same day that he would not resign.

Former President Boluarte declared a 30-day state of emergency in March following the murder of famous musician Paul Flores, but it did little to reduce crime.

Mr Flores was killed in an attack on the bus he was travelling on in an apparent attempt to extort the operator.