BRUSSELS, Dec 14: Riot police fired water cannons at protesters in freezing temperatures on Friday as a street protest against globalization, coinciding with an EU summit, turned nasty at its conclusion.

Two specialized trucks with high-pressure water jets fitted atop their cabs hosed down several dozen protesters who were hurling objects at police near the Tour et Taxis warehouse complex.

Police generally kept a low profile as the marchers protested the direction of Europe’s political development amid hopes from some of seeing a turning point for the anti-globalization movement.

Organizers put the turnout at 30,000 people. Police estimated the numbers at 12,500.—AFP