Riot police have fought back anti-globalisation protestors in Barcelona following a peaceful rally by thousands of demonstrators.
At least 30 people were arrested during the skirmishes which broke out just hours after European leaders wrapped up their summit on economic reforms.
Police say seven officers were among the 18 people injured. At least three journalists, including a photographer, were also hurt. One was struck by a rubber bullet.
Witnesses said some 200 protestors began smashing windows and throwing molotov cocktails and rocks at riot police.
It was reported police fired tear gas and rubber bullets after the trouble erupted towards the end of a march.
Leaders of 28 EU countries had met in a heavily guarded compound outside the city for the two-day summit where a number of moves designed to push forward free-market reforms were agreed.
City officials estimate 250,000 people participated in yesterday’s march, while the organisers put the figure at half a million.
The demonstrations were called by the umbrella organisation of protest groups: the Campaign Against a Europe of Capitalism and War. Marchers belonged to diverse organisations but aimed much of their wrath at globalisation and EUs plans to liberalise energy and financial markets.
Speakers told the crowd that European leaders put business interests ahead of concern for the millions of the world's poor who die of starvation each year.
PA