Anti-austerity protest in Rome, Italy turns violent

Extended: Protest turns violent in Rome High unemployment rate sparks violent protests injuring dozens after a battle with riot police in Rome.

ROME -- An anti-austerity protest has turned violent when demonstrators threw bottles, eggs and firecrackers at police. At least one demonstrator was injured.

An Associated Press photographer saw one demonstrator with a bloody hand, which appeared to have been injured by a firecracker.

Police brought the crowd under control using tear gas, and were rounding up demonstrators suspected of violence.

The protest march Saturday was organized against high housing costs and joblessness as a result of Italy's long economic slowdown. The procession made its way peacefully through central Rome until a more violent element wearing helmets started throwing objects at police near the Labor Ministry.