Violence erupts at protest as ECB opens €1bn HQ

Anti-capitalist protesters clashed with riot police near the new headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt yesterday and set fire to barricades and cars, coinciding with the ceremonial opening of the €1bn skyscraper.

Some 94 police officers were injured by stones and tear gas thrown by a violent minority from within the 3,500 protesters, police said.

Rally organisers said there were 7,000 protesters, more than 100 of whom were injured by police. Seven police cars were set on fire, streets were blocked by burning stacks of tyres and bins, and shops were damaged. Smoke billowed in front of the 185m ECB towers and over Frankfurt.