Extensive clashes broke out between police and protesters on Thursday (March 11) in Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, after authorities ended an occupation by students and other demonstrators at the city’s main university building.

Hooded protesters threw rocks and petrol bombs at police after street clashes erupted in the city centre.

Police responded with heavy use of tear gas, dozens of stun grenades and made multiple arrests.

Video shows tear gas and arrests being made after police blocked a march of thousands of people towards the University Campus of Thessaloniki.

Clashes also erupted at noon following a march of students and teachers to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in protest of the authorities' evacuation of the occupation and police violence. At the end of the march, there were clashes between groups of hooded protesters and police forces.

The occupation by students had lasted for about three weeks was in protest against a decision by the center-right government to begin police patrols of university campuses.

Despite lockdown restrictions, dozens of protest marches have taken place in Greek cities over the past month against the prospect of police gaining access to campuses.

Extensive clashes broke out between police and protesters Thursday in Greece’s second-largest city, Thessaloniki, after authorities ended an occupation by students and other demonstrators at the city’s main university building. Hooded protesters threw a rain of rocks and petrol bombs at police after street clashes erupted in the city center. Police responded with heavy use of tear gas dozens of stun grenades and made multiple arrests.

Tear gas clouds, stones, glass bottles and petrol bombs on riots after police forces blocked a march of thousands towards the University Campus of Thessaloniki. Clashes erupted at noon on Thursday in Thessaloniki Greece, following a march of students and teachers to the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, in protest of the authorities' evacuation of the occupation and police violence. After the end of the march, there were riots between groups of hooded protesters and police forces who proceeded to heavy use of chemicals, flash and tear gas in the city center.

The deanery occupation by students which had lasted for about three weeks was to protest a decision by the center-right government to start police patrols of university campuses. Despite lockdown restrictions, dozens of protest marches have taken place in Greek cities over the past month against the prospect of police gaining access to campuses.