Violence erupts on Warsaw streets

24th July 2009

More than 30 people were hospitalised and fifteen arrested on Tuesday as violence erupted in the centre of Warsaw between local traders, security guards and riot police over the planned closure of a Warsaw market.

As hundreds of people gathered to protest at the closing down of the KDT discount shopping market next to the Palace of Science and Culture, tempers frayed when a city bailiff and security guards attempted to evict traders who had barricaded themselves inside.

According to the Polish Press Agency (PAP), security guards sprayed tear gas at the shopkeepers, some of whom, it was reported, had brought their children, who in turn launched a counter-attack with fire extinguishers.

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