Dutch police fired warning shots, injuring several people, after rioters against a partial Covid lockdown torched a police car and hurled stones in Rotterdam.

Chaos broke out after a protest in the port city against the coronavirus restrictions and government plans to restrict access for unvaccinated people to some venues.

Dozens of people were arrested and seven people were injured in total, including police officers, during the nighttime rampage on one of Rotterdam's main shopping streets.

Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb described the riots as an “orgy of violence”, according to an AFP report.

Demonstrators take part in a protest against a partial coronavirus lockdown on Coolsingel street on Friday in Rotterdam. — AFP
Demonstrators take part in a protest against a partial coronavirus lockdown on Coolsingel street on Friday in Rotterdam. — AFP

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