Around 160 police officers have been injured during violent anti-capitalist protests in Hamburg as some of the world’s most important leaders meet for the G20 summit.
Police are sending reinforcements from across Germany to help deal with thousands of demonstrators who have set fire to cars, rubbish bins and wooden pallets, Reuters reported.
According to the news agency, 45 protesters have been temporarily detained and another 15 taken into custody.
The pilots of a police helicopter also reportedly suffered eye injuries after lasers were directed at them.
Hamburg’s interior minister Andy Grote called the violence “frightening”.
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An anti-G20 protestor waves a flag in front of a burning bin
Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters
The protests started yesterday (Thursday) with a peaceful artistic demonstration, with people painting themselves as zombies to appeal for “more humanity”.
But later in the day, protests turned violent during a “Welcome To Hell” march as demonstrators started fires, damaged cars and threw bottles in “roving clashes” that last until midnight.
This morning, hundreds more demonstrators gathered to mark the first day of the G20 summit, with The Telegraph reporting that Melania Trump was blocked from attending an event for spouses due to the security risk.
Videos from the scene show police in riot gear turning water cannons on protestors, who were attempting a sit in.
The G20 summit protests, in pictures:
‘Zombie’ protest, Thursday:
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Performance artists covered themselves in clay in a 'public appeal for humanity'
Sean Gallup via Getty Images
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A woman painted grey lies on the ground as part of the performance
Pool via Getty Images
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Performers began shedding their grey clothes to show bright clothing underneath
Pool via Getty Images
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Protesters dance together in the street
Pool via Getty Images
Welcome To Hell march:
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Protesters hold placards during the Welcome To Hell march in Hamburg
Hannibal Hanschke / Reuters
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German riot police stand in front of protesters
Fabrizio Bensch / Reuters
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German anti-riot police rush towards protesters in Hamburg
Barcroft Media via Getty Images
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Riot police and protesters clash
Barcroft Media via Getty Images
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An anti-G20 protestor waves a flag in front of a burning bin
Kai Pfaffenbach / Reuters
The aftermath of the ‘Welcome To Hell’ march:
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Photos show a number of burned out cars in the city following Thursday night's violent protests
Max Marquardt / HuffPost
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The front of a bank with a smashed window and graffiti
Max Marquardt / HuffPost
Protests on the first day of the summit:
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A demonstrator sits on the road in front of police
Leon Neal via Getty Images
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Protesters participate in a peaceful anti-G20 march
Alexander Koerner via Getty Images
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Young women in Hamburg have written 'Tits against G20' on their chest in protest
RONNY HARTMANN via Getty Images
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Demonstrators are hit by water cannons during protests on Friday