Athens Protests Turn Violent as Teargas Meets Molotov Cocktails [SLIDESHOW]

Angry protesters have taken to the streets of Athens to condemn the government's plans for further austerity measures.

Demonstrators clashed with police in the streets around Greece's parliament building, protesting against cuts intended to reduce the country's budget deficit - a key condition of the bailout agreed with its 'troika' of foreign lenders.

Banks and historic buildings closed as anarchists hurled molotov cocktails. Police responded with teargas and pepper spray.

The clashes took place during a mass march through Athens which was precipitated by a general strike, the first called in Greece since the present government took power in June.

About 50,000 people took part in the march. Reports suggested that the participants represented a broad cross-section of Greek society, and their number included doctors, teachers, ferry operators and air traffic controllers.

Shopkeepers closed up early so they could join in the protests, according to local sources.

Greek prime minister Antonis Samaras wants to drastically cut pensions and raise the retirement age to 67 to help cut the budget deficit by €11.5bn.

Click on the slideshow to view a selection of images from the clashes.