Violent clashes have erupted in central Brussels as police were confronted by “hundreds of young people” who had reportedly gathered to meet a social network star. The youth threw projectiles at police and damaged stores and cars in the area, according to Newsline sourcing local media.
A Youtube star called his fans to meet in the area for a music video at the Place de la Monnaie at 4 pm. The unrest reportedly began when police officers approached a large group of youths gathered at the square.
The gathering started throwing projectiles at the officers and even forced them to retreat, Belgian broadcaster RTBF reported. The police then called for backup and attempted to disperse the crowd.
Belgian Interior Minister Jan Jambon condemned the clashes in his Twitter account and said that police were doing everything necessary to keep order. This “violence is unacceptable and incomprehensible,” he said, adding that federal police are sending reinforcements to their colleagues in Brussels.
In the meantime, local police said that the situation remains tense in the city center. “Police had to take cover at the moment. It is too early to talk about riots but the situation is tense,” Brussels police spokesperson Olivier Slosse told VRT news.
#Rellen op het #muntplein in #brussel. Wat gebeurt er ? #politie @federalepolitie @VTMNIEUWS @vrtnws pic.twitter.com/pFBahWMWkh
— Michaël (@DailymichaelBE) 15 ноября 2017 г.