Violence at student rally in Athens

Youths hurled rocks and petrol bombs at police during confrontations in the Greek capital and police had to close roads as a Government building was also pelted with rocks and oranges in central Athens.

Although several thousand officers were deployed through out the city, they maintained a minimal presence at the site where around 1,500 students gathered outside Athens University's main building.

The event was organised to mark the anniversary of the death of Alexandros Griporopoulos, 15, who was killed by police gunfire in 2008.

The confrontation came days after students also clashed with the authorities over planned education reforms and austerity measures.