Riots in Greece - in pictures

Riot policemen try to avoid an exploding petrol bomb during clashes

Greece was bracing itself for serious civil unrest as MPs passed a bill to implement major economic reforms demanded by creditors in return for a bailout.

The International Monetary Fund’s shock admission that Greece could not hope to repay its debts fuelled public anger, and strikes and protests closed metro stations and brought city centre traffic to a standstill.

But as MPs prepared to vote, anarchist protesters outside the parliament building hurled rocks and petrol bombs at riot police who responded with teargas.

Riot police run as they disperse protesters during clashes in Athens

A protester bleeds as he is arrested by riot police following clashes

Protesters set fire to a TV van during clashes

Protesters set fire to bins

Riot police officers run away from fire

Police stand amongst the flames from exploded petrol bombs thrown by a small group of anti-establishment demonstrators

Riot police stand amongst the flames in front of parliament

Protesters clash with riot police in front of the Greek Parliament

Riot police use teargas in front of the Greek Parliament

A protester is arrested by riot police following clashes

Protesters raise a Greek flag with a writing reading ''Greece we love you'' during a rally outside the Greek Parliament

Riot policemen stand guard in front of the Greek Parliament during clashes

Riot policemen arrest a protester during an anti-austerity protest in front of the Greek parliament

Anti-austerity protesters march in front of the parliament after clashes

A protester clashes with riot police

Masked anti-establishment youths and anti-austerity protesters are seen through a cloud of tear gas during clashes

Tourists watch as debris burns on the streets following clashes between protestors and riot police

Members of the Communist-affiliated PAME labor union march during an anti-austerity rally