Protesters in black masks hurled petrol bombs, creating a wall of fire as Greek riot police tried to drive back tens of thousands of demonstrators in Athens.

Police used tear gas and stun grenades to keep crowds from advancing even as they dodged stones and bombs as anger over a new austerity deal that could save Greece from bankruptcy erupted outside of parliament. Smoke filled the air as demonstrators faced off with police on the streets.

More than 3,500 extra police were dispatched to Athens over the weekend to try and contain the protests.

The news of the deal, which is being voted on by the parliament appeared to be the last straw for many Greeks after five years of recession and with roughly half of all young people unemployed.

Deborah Gembara, Reuters.