KOSOVSKA MITROVICA (Kosovo), March 14: Hundreds of Serbs opposed to Kosovo’s independence clashed with international police before storming and occupying two UN-run courts here on Friday, police said.

Around 300 Serbs from the northern parts of Mitrovica “demolished and broke through two entrance gates and entered the buildings of the municipal and district courts, where they took down the UN flag,” said a Kosovo police statement.

Elite units of UN police tried to force back the “insurgent protesters who placed females and girls on the front line” while pelting police with stones, and metal objects, said the statement.

The protestors occupied the courthouse, after raising a Serbian flag, while two civilian trucks were parked in front of the building to block access.

After taking over the courts, the Serbs said they wanted to set up their own court.—AFP