Syrian refugees set fire to tents and to a field hospital on Tuesday night to protest against their living conditions in the Zaatari camp located just over the border from Syria, in Jordan.

A sand storm, which had blown away several tents earlier that day, prompted the protest. According to reports, demonstrators also destroyed several ambulances and properties.

Riot police responded with tear gas to disperse the protesters. Several videos posted online reportedly showed the Zaatari camp during last night's riots.

"Some 500 refugees demonstrated against their living conditions in the Zaatari camp," AFP quoted Zayed Hammad, president of the charitable Muslim association Kitab wal Sunna, which provides aid for tens of thousands of refugees.

Police spokesman Mohamed al-Khatib accused supporters of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad of having infiltrated the camp to incite violence.