warsaw: Riot police used truncheons to try to break up a crowd of right-wing extremists who were pelting them with firecrackers and concrete.

The violence broke out yesterday at the start of a parade to celebrate Poland's national holiday, which has proved a catalyst for clashes. The right-wing protesters were preparing to start their march in the centre of Warsaw when some threw projectiles at police in riot gear who had cordoned off the area. Police were seen beating protesters with truncheons.