The police department in Nea Smyrni under siege

One police officer was injured during clashes with protesters on the sidelines of a rally against police violence in in the southern suburb of Nea Smyrni on Tuesday afternoon.

According to initial information, the officer is said to have been hit in the neck with a flare or a stone. Some of his colleagues formed a circle around him to protect him until the ambulance arrived to transfer him to the hospital.

According to state-run broadcaster ERT, some hooded individuals hurled petrol bombs against the police forces, which responded with tear gas. Officers also found a backpack with petrol bombs and firecrackers in the neighbouring district of Neos Kosmos.

Several parked cars were damaged, while footage posted on social media showed trash bins burning.

The Greek Prime minister sent a clear message to all those involved.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis called for “restraint and composure”