Thousands of people poured into Syntagma Square on Wednesday, in front of the Greek parliamentary building to demonstrate against renewed austerity measures which must be introduced to ensure the country's next bailout payment.

Several loud bangs were heard, and black smoke seen as protesters gathered in the city centre. People at the scene reported that protestors were throwing molotov cocktails at riot police. The officers responded by launching tear gas to disperse the crowds: 

A number of injuries have been reported, with people at the scene showing participants being attended to by the emergency services.

There have also been approximately 104 arrests, which have sparked a second demonstration outside the police HQ.

The mass demonstration in Athens is part of the general strike taking place across the country. Civil servants, teachers, lawyers, doctors, sailors, air traffic controllers and many other professionals across the country have been called out on a 24 hour strike by their respective unions. 

Banks and historic sites, as well as a number of shops in the capital have closed due to fears of clashes between protesters and police. A high police presence has been reported, with thousands of officers deployed to the city centre.