Street violence
July 5, 2009
Some 3,000 people had come to the street festival in the city's Schanzenviertel area, which remained largely peaceful until around 10pm when a group reportedly began throwing bottles and fireworks at police and setting up barricades, a police spokesman said.
A police car was set alight before 67 rioters were arrested, police said, adding that 18 were still being detained. Police reported that 27 officers were injured in the violence, with three requiring hospitalization.
As many as 1,800 police were called in to break up the riots, which saw the use of water canons and batons to subdue the violent crowds.
The Schanzenviertel is known for left-wing street festivals and has witnessed several violent clashes in past years requiring a police presence.
dfm/AFP/Reuters
Editor: Andreas Illmer