Farmers protest leaves behind 50 tonnes of rubbish

Thursday's protest by farmers in Brussels resulted in six administrative arrests, seven judicial arrests, four injured police officers and more than 50 tonnes of rubbish left for the city’s waste collection agency to clean up.

A spokesperson for Bruxelles Propreté said that it had taken "extraordinary measures" to ensure cleanliness, working late at night and focusing on the main traffic arteries and Place du Luxembourg, where the damage was greatest, reports Bruzz.

Bruxelles Propreté recounted burnt rubbish bins, damaged traffic barriers, burnt tyres and potatoes and beetroot scattered on public highways, causing slippery roads in some places.

They deployed significant logistical resources, including sweepers, a high-pressure cleaning truck, containers and trucks equipped with cranes to ensure the removal of waste.

Police said that while a number of rioters were arrested, the biggest impact of yesterday's protest was destruction of public infrastructure and police equipment.

“The material damage is enormous,” a police spokesperson said.

“A dozen gas masks and a helmet were destroyed, and dozens of uniforms, shields and helmets were defaced and soiled. A service vehicle was also damaged after being hit by a tractor.”

The police reported damaged or torn-down traffic signs, broken windows, road surfaces damaged by fire, and various objects set on fire, mainly on the Place du Luxembourg.