Police in Sudan's capital have clashed with thousands of protesters marching on the U.S. embassy.

Video from the scene Friday showed police trying to beat back demonstrators with batons and tear gas. But a number of protesters were able to break through a embassy security perimeter.

There are reports of gunfire at the embassy compound.

The protest in Khartoum was one of several around the world Friday against a film made in the United States that many deem offensive to Islam.

Earlier, thousands of protesters stormed the British and German embassies in Khartoum. A mob that broke into the German embassy raised an Islamic banner over the building and set fire to the facility.

The German foreign ministry says all staff members are safe and accounted for.

In a televised address Friday, German Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle condemned the film that triggered this week's protests but said it is no justification for violence.

The United States has also condemned the film, which is protected under U.S. free-speech laws, and said it had nothing to do with its production.

Earlier this week, the U.S. embassy in Sudan issued a warning about possible protests in Khartoum and advised Americans to stay away from the embassy.