Greek protesters attack building housing illegal immigrants

Athens: Far-right Greek protesters have attacked an old courthouse in central Athens where hundreds of illegal immigrants have lived for months amid piles of fetid rubbish and human waste without electricity, running water or sanitation.

The group of several dozen people hurled rocks and firecrackers at the eight-story building while those living inside threw back slabs of masonry and bricks.

Police fired tear gas and stun grenades to keep the protesters back and a tense standoff followed. Witnesses reported at least three people hurt in Saturday's clashes.

Some immigrants accused the police of failing to protect them and said they would stand guard around the building throughout the night because of fears of further attacks.