Berlin is coming to terms with the worst May Day violence in four years.

Pitch battles between police and rioters in the German capital continued into the night with militants pelting officers with stones, bottles and petrol bombs. The worst clashes took place in the Kreuzberg district which is a traditional hotbed of anarchist violence on Labour Day. Tension is said to have escalated when police stormed groups to remove individuals hurling stones and bottles. Police used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon against the militants. Germany is facing its worst recession since World War Two. Financial worries are said to have aggravated tempers. May Day violence also broke out in several other German cities across the country leading to hundreds of arrests.

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