Protesters threw stones and rotting rubbish at riot police, who responded with water cannon and pepper spray during a demonstration in Brussels.

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A bag of rubbish bursts as a demonstrator throws it towards riot police officers during a European trade unions protest against austerity measures in Brussels Reuters

Police say one demonstrator was hurt when a rock he was trying to throw hit him on the head instead. Several others were injured, including a female police officer and a policeman, apparently struck by a cobblestone.

The protest was organised by the European Trade Union Confederation to oppose austerity measures implemented across the European Union.

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A protester throws a heavy object at riot police officers AFP
injured policewoman
Rescue workers evacuate a policewoman who was injured during the clashes AFP
hit in face
A demonstrator reacts as he is sprayed with tear gas Reuters
water cannon
Demonstrators try to find shelter from a water cannon during clashes with police AFP
stone throw
A protester launches a stone towards riot police officers AFP
injured bleeding
An injured demonstrator is attended to after he was hit by a rock Reuters
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Riot police officers stand in front of a placard reading "Austerity You Stink, Misery" AFP
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Riot police officers extinguish a flare as they face off with demonstrators Reuters
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A demonstrator confronts riot police officers in a cloud of orange smoke Reuters