Violence in Athens ahead of Germany vote

Police and protesters have clashed in Athens after the first anti-government demonstration since Greece's leftist Syriza party took power last month.

Dozens of activists hurled petrol bombs and stones at police and set cars alight after the march.

The unrest came ahead of a vote by the German parliament on Friday on whether to extend financial aid for Greece.

The deal, approved by Greece and international creditors last week, has triggered dissent within Syriza itself.

If ratified, the agreement will give Greece a four-month bailout extension in return for government reforms.

Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras has defended it, but some on the hard left have accused the government of going back on pre-election pledges.

Syriza swept to power in January by promising to renegotiate the country's debt and end austerity.

About 450 far-left protesters took to the streets of Athens on Thursday to voice their anger.

After the march, about 50 demonstrators clashed with riot police. Shop windows and bus stops were also smashed.

Hundreds of people took part in a protest in Athens before the violence broke out

Several shops were damaged during the disorder