Dramatic photos show far-right activists getting pelted with a water cannon during a migration protest in Brussels

Thousands of protesters gathered in Brussels, including Filip Dewinter (center), a leading figure in Vlaams Belang, a right-wing Flemish nationalist party.

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But the protests soon began to turn ugly. Here demonstrators are trying to topple an EU flag outside the European Commission headquarters.

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Mounted police attempted to control the crowds.

Tensions escalated as protesters ripped up street signs and metal railings as they clashed with police. Some demonstrators threw items at police.

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This man launched a traffic sign at law enforcement.

Police responded with a water cannon as they attempted to take control of the situation.

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One activist was hit the face by the jet of water.

Pepper spray was also deployed by police.

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Some people were detained.

As the situation calmed, the damage to the streets of Brussels was visible.

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