German police have clashed with anti-austerity protesters at the opening of the new headquarters of the European Central Bank in Frankfurt.
Thousands of demonstrators congregated at the security cordon set up around the new €1.3 bn complex.
As many as 550 protesters have been detained and 90 police officers injured.
Violence broke out around the Alta Oper concert hall and the city’s financial district.
More than 100 demonstrators suffered injuries as police cars were smashed and set on fire and security services responded with tear gas and water canon.
One young protestor explained why he was there: “ Above all I think I think the ECB is the symbol of monetary power in Europe and the power politics of capitalism. It is simply very important that lots of people from lots of different countries come together to fight against these policies.”
German police say around 17,000 turned up to protest, organisers put the figure at 20,000.
A number of trade unions were present al
