Frankfurt in flames, as anti-austerity protesters clash with riot police outside new ECB headquarter (Photos)

Anti-austerity protesters have clashed with riot police outside the new headquarters of the European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany.

 

 

Just hours before the ceremonial opening of the €1.3 billion building, thousands of people descended on the area in a scrum that saw cars, tyres and rubbish bins set on fire.

 

 

Riot officers pursued what they said was a minority of violence-minded activists, as the bulk of protesters conducted themselves peacefully ahead of a rally in the city's main square, the Roemerberg, which is expected to draw 10,000 people.
 

Water cannons were employed in an attempt to make a path through the throng and at least one officer was injured, police said.
 

The entrance of the building, where ECB President Mario Draghi was due to make a speech at 11am, has been blocked off from the street by police barricades.