BRUSSELS IN FLAMES: French riots spread to Belgium – HUNDREDS go on rampage at home of EU

Protesters destroyed at least two police vans in what started as a peaceful but unauthorised demonstration descended into violence. Police made dozens of arrests after protestors with their faces covered by masks or hoods tried to storm through police lines. Around 500 angry protestors furious at rising fuel prices and a squeeze on living standards disrupted traffic for more than an hour after taking to the streets.

Police arrested about 60 before the violence broke out, mostly for blocking roads or carrying large fireworks.

Several hundred people wearing the fluorescent safety vests drivers must carry in their vehicles eventually converged on the office of Prime Minister Charles Michel.

Dozens of protestors – many of them masked or wearing hoods – threw rocks, firecrackers and road signs at police who responded with water cannons and tear gas.

Protests in Belgium, notably around fuel depots in the French-speaking south, have been inspired by the yellow vest – or “gilet jaune” – actions in France.

The yellow vests staged demonstrations on the Champs-Élysées last week in protest at increases in fuel duty imposed by President Emmanuel Macron’s government as part of efforts to reduce emissions causing global warming.

Crowds in the Belgian capital demanded the resignation of the PM as they chanted “Michel, resign!”

Mr Michel is a liberal ally of Macron, who voiced sympathy for people’s troubles on Thursday. But he added: “Money doesn’t fall from the sky.”

His centre-right coalition faces an election in May.

A tweet from the Belgian leader said: “No impunity for unacceptable violence in Brussels. Those who came to smash and loot must be punished.”

More to follow…