Tax protests hit Belgium

BRUSSELS— Police and hundreds of yellow jacket protesters upset over high taxes and living costs clashed Friday in Brussels. Dozens were detained as the grassroots movement that started in France two weeks ago gained traction in Belgium.

Riot police fired tear gas and water cannons on protesters, who threw rocks and paving stones after they were blocked from approaching government buildings in Brussels.

“Our officers started to use water cannons after they began throwing objects. They were throwing pool balls,” said the Brussels city police spokesperson, Ilse Van De Keere, estimating that over 300 people were involved in the clashes.

A riot police cordon charged protesters after they attacked two police vehicles.