Violence Errupts at Protest Against Austerity Measures in Brussels

Thousands of people took the streets of Brussels in a protest against austerity measures, organized by the European Trade Union Confederation, Friday.

The police used water cannon and pepper spray on protesters who had thrown oranges and stones at the officers during the demonstration demanding a better deal for Europe's working men and women.

Protesters also voiced their concerns over social dumping, whereby businesses import cheaper workers to replace local employees, or export jobs to a low-wage country or area, ABC news reported.

The area of the demonstration in the Belgian capital was closed off to traffic, and the US Embassy was sent into lockdown.