At least 200 people have been arrested in the French city of Strasbourg in clashes ahead of a two-day NATO summit that opens today.

Police fired rounds of tear gas and rubber bullets to try to disperse hundreds of young people. Windows were smashed and cars vandalised in the violence. France and Germany are co-hosting 60th anniversary celebrations for the military alliance, whose full name is the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Demonstrations are planned near the official venues in Strasbourg and the German towns of Kehl and Baden Baden. The protesters say more money should be spent on fighting poverty and less on military defence. The US President is among the leaders due to arrive in France today for the summit. Thousands of police have been mobilised and access to Strasbourg and Baden Baden has been restricted. Police have voiced concern that clashes at the G20 summit in London have added to the tension surrounding the NATO event.More about: NATO

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