50,000 Europeans protest against austerity

Almost 50,000 people from 21 countries across Europe shut down the EU capital demonstrating against austerity and unemployment.

The massive demonstration erupted into violence with police using water canon and pepper spray to quell a minority of people who threw stones, garbage and bottles at police and buildings along the route.

EU institution buildings locked down for much of the day as did other offices including the US Embassy, preventing anybody entering or leaving as security officials took precautions.