Police clash with protesters in Nea Smirni; one policeman injured (ADDS)
A policeman was reported injured as riot police clashed with thousands of demonstrators in the southern suburb of Nea Smirni on Tuesday, who headed to the local police station to protest police violence.
Police reported at least 5,000 people took part in the rally. When protesters reached the station they hurled petrol bombs, flares and stones against the police, who returned with tear gas, flash bangs and a water cannon to repel the attack.
Prior to the rally, police had released pictures of individuals carrying bars of concrete and photographs depicting large bags with water bottles filled with petrol confiscated by the police.
Protesters set several fires in the area, while images of broken car windshields were broadcast by national television ERT.
A police officer was injured in the head during the clashes while driving by hooded individuals who attacked him. He was taken to hospital.
The protest was held following an incident of violence between riot police officers and a man at Nea Smirni Square on Sunday.
Later reports said the hospitalized police officer is out of danger.
