Via our picture desk, here are some photos from within the heart of the clashes this evening:

A water cannon truck is used against demonstrators near the Greek Parliament. Photograph: ORESTIS PANAGIOTOU/EPA

A petrol bomb thrown by protesters explodes near riot police in front of parliament. Photograph: Dimitri Messinis/AP

A protestor throws a molotov cocktail at riot police. Photograph: STRINGER/REUTERSIt’s a depressing contrast with the scenes before the violence began, when hordes of people were making their point peacefully.

For example, here’s a shot of opposition MPs from Syriza appearing outside parliament:

Parliamentary members of the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) party hold a banner at the entrance of the Greek Parliament reading ‘You destroy the country – Leave now’ while waving to the people gathered outside. Photograph: SIMELA PANTZARTZI/EPA