Riot police fought running battles with hooded youths in Athens continued for a second day today as tens of thousands of protesters took to the streets against tough austerity measures.
Parts of the Greek capital were ablaze and dozens were injured as youths hurled rocks, bricks and petrol bombs at police, who responded with baton charges and tear gas.
Protesters, taking part in a two-day national strike, remained on the streets through the night as clashes continued this morning.
Hundreds of terrified tourists ran for safety from cafes and restaurants as youths, many wearing gas masks and scarves covering their faces, rampaged in front of luxury hotels in Syntagma Square.
Five thousand police patrolled the streets, but shops, banks, trucks and bins were set on fire.
The rioting came as the Greek parliament debated a £25billion austerity package demanded by the European Union.
Source and full story with photos: Daily Mail, 29 June 2011
