Riot police in Hamburg, Germany fired water cannon at people protesting the G20 summit taking place in the city over 7 - 8 July. Local police said they were expecting around 100,000 people to demonstrate in the city over the course of the talks, with 20,000 officers deployed to patrol the streets.

A march entitled 'G20: Welcome to Hell' was ended by organisers after violence broke out early on Thursday night. Police used pepper spray and water cannon to disperse protesters, some of whom refused to remove their masks when asked by authorities.

G20 protesters in Hamburg, Germany
Protesters laugh after being soaked by police water cannon during the 'Welcome to Hell' rally against the G20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany on July 6, 2017. ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters sit in front of riot police
Protesters sit on a street in front of riot police during the demonstrations during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany, July 6, 2017. REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski
G20 protesters face Hamburg riot police
Protesters face riot police during during the 'Welcome to Hell' rally against the G20 summit in Hamburg, northern Germany on July 6, 2017. STEFFI LOOS/AFP/Getty Images
Humburg riot police clash with G20 protesters
Police forces clash with protesters during a march on July 7, 2017 in Hamburg, Germany. Alexander Koerner/Getty Images

Police said that clashes broke out after they attempted to separate a hardcore group from other demonstrators. Protesters reportedly threw projectiles and smashed the windows of a police vehicle.

Earlier in the morning, ten cars were found set on fire at a Porsche dealership in the city, with police investigating whether the incident had any link to the G20 protests.

Hamburg riots
German riot police get ready during the demonstrations ahead of the G20 summit Reuters
Hamburg riots
German riot police use water cannon against protesters during the demonstrations during the G20 summit in Hamburg on 6 July Reuters
Riot police use water cannons in Hamburg
German riot police use water cannon against protesters during the demonstrations during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch
Riots police at G20 protests in Hamburg
German riot policemen catch protesters during the demonstrations during the G20 summit in Hamburg, Germany REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach

World leaders including UK prime minister Theresa May, US president Donald Trump and Russian president Vladimir Putin are attending the summit to discuss topics facing their nations, including economic issues, climate change and the threat of North Korea.

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