Around 20,000 police officers from all of Germany's 16 states have been deployed on the streets of Hamburg to help contain protests against the G20 summit. They will be facing off against up to 100,000 protesters, including an estimated 8,000 who police say are prepared to use violence.
Dozens of police were injured in clashes on Thursday (6 July) as protesters damaged cars, set other objects ablaze and threw bottles in clashes that lasted until midnight. Police said that at least 76 officers were hurt, one of whom had to be taken to a hospital with an eye injury after a firework exploded in front of him. Officers repeatedly used water cannons, as well as pepper spray and batons, amid the clashes with violent protesters.
Protesters erect burning barricades in front of the Rote Flora left-wing centre in HamburgAlexander Koerner/Getty ImagesGerman riot police clash with protesters during the demonstrations during the G20 summit in HamburgFabrizio Bensch/ReutersRiot police move in through the smoke from a smoke bombOdd Andersen/AFPAn anti-G20 protester waves a flag in front of burning rubbish outside the Rote Flora buildingKai Pfaffenbach/ReutersA police water cannon sprays a protester during the demonstrationsFabrizio Bensch/ReutersA protester lights a flare after the Welcome to Hell rally against the G20 summit in HamburgChristof Stache/AFPA man throws furniture onto burning pile of bins in front of the Rote Flora left-wing centreOdd Andersen/AFPPolice officers walk in front of a fire started by protestersChristof Stache/AFPA protester holds a flare during a protest ahead the G20 summit in HamburgKai Pfaffenbach/ReutersAn anti-G20 protester gestures in front of a water cannonKai Pfaffenbach/ReutersGerman riot police use water cannons against protesters during the demonstrationsPawel Kopczynski/ReutersGerman riot police use water cannons against protesters during the demonstrationsPawel Kopczynski/ReutersGerman riot police use water cannons against protestersFabrizio Bensch/ReutersPolice gather at Hamburg harbour prior to the Welcome to Hell anti-G20 protest marchThomas Lohnes/Getty ImagesPolice gather at Hamburg harbour prior to the Welcome to Hell anti-G20 protest marchThomas Lohnes/Getty ImagesA demonstrator shouts at the police during the Welcome to Hell anti-G20 protest marchThomas Lohnes/Getty ImagesAn anti G-20 placard reads "The Punch is coming"Kai Pfaffenbach/ReutersProtesters hold their hands during the demonstration during the G20 summit in HamburgHannibal Hanschke/ReutersRiot police use water cannon against protestersChristof Stache/AFPDemonstrator stand in the water jet from police water cannonThomas Lohnes/Getty ImagesPolice stand in front of 'Welcome to Hell' anti-G20 protestersThomas Lohnes/Getty ImagesA woman holds up a handful of fake US currency during the Welcome to Hell anti-G20 protestLeon Neal/Getty ImagesA protester shouts as riot police use water cannon trucksChristof Stache/AFPProtestors are sprayed by police water cannonsLeon Neal/Getty ImagesProtesters throw beer bottles as they shield themselves from water cannon sprayJohn MacDougall/AFPA man washes another man's eye after suspected tear gas useLeon Neal/Getty ImagesA man gives a one-fingered salute as paramedics carry him awayLeon Neal/Getty ImagesProtesters hold up a banner as they take part in the "Welcome to Hell" protestAlexander Koerner/Getty ImagesA firefighter sprays water over burnt out vehiclesFabrizio Bensch/ReutersThe interior of a burnt-out car is seen as firefighters work in the backgroundHannibal Hanschke/ReutersProtestors who are blocking a street are surrounded by German policePawel Kopczynski/Reuters
