Pro-, anti-Erdogan campaigners clash at Brussels protest against Ankara bombings

Police used tear gas to break up a clash between pro- and anti-Erdogan campaigners at a Sunday protest in Brussels against the Ankara bombings, local media reported on Monday.

Police said about 400 demonstrators gathered outside the Turkish embassy in the EU district of the city, before heading to the nearby Luxembourg Square in front of the European parliament.

According to Belgian broadcaster RTL, the protesters were mostly Kurds who had traveled from all over Belgium, as well as neighboring Germany and the Netherlands, plus Turkish democrats, Armenians and other minority groups.

RTL said punches were exchanged between supporters and critics of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Police sprayed tear gas on the demonstrators, who included women and young children, RTL added.

A Belgian police spokesman said the disorder was quickly brought under control.

The protest was called on Sunday after two blasts in the Turkish capital killed at least 97 people, and injured hundreds more.

The explosions hit a rail station where several unions, civil society organizations and the pro-Kurdish People's Democracy Party were due to hold a rally. Fresh elections are due to be held in Turkey on Nov. 1. Enditem