United Nations, Jan 7 (IANS): UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was "saddened" by the unprecedented violence and chaos at the US Capitol building in Washington as Congress was preparing to certify President-elect Joe Biden's Electoral College win.

"The Secretary-General is saddened by the events at the US Capitol in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday.

"In such circumstances, it is important that political leaders impress on their followers the need to refrain from violence, as well as to respect democratic processes and the rule of law," Xinhua news agency quoted the UN chief's spokesman Stephane Dujarric as saying in a statement.

Supporters of sitting President Donald Trump stormed the Capitol on Wednesday afternoon, forcing proceedings to count Electoral College votes cast in the November 3, 2020 presidential election to halt.

Lawmakers had to be evacuated from the House and the Senate, and the Capitol was vandalised.

At least four people have been, 52 arrested and 14 police officers injured as a result of the violence.