Violence marrs Independence Day in Poland

National Independence Day in Poland has seen clashes on the streets of Warsaw, as police struck back against violent rightwing nationalists.

Stones, firecrackers and flares were thrown at the police, who then fired rubber bullets and tear gas as they tried to disperse the troublemakers.

Three officers have been injured and more than a hundred and thirty people detained.

Thirteen people have been treated for injuries and five admitted to hospital, according to Warsaw city authorities.

Security levels in the capital had been high, in an effort to prevent violence between right and leftwing groups during marches to mark Poland’s 94th anniversary as an independent state.

Last year’s celebrations were also marred by violence after rightwing nationalists joined forces with football hooligans to fight the police.

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