A 23-year-old Syrian refugee was in police detention on Friday after allegedly moving toward Coast Guard officers with a switchblade at the port of Piraeus where refugees have set up a makeshift camp.

The 23-year-old threatened the officers with a knife when they approached him for a spot inspection, sources said.

The Syrian national was charged with possession of a weapon, posing a threat to the public and threatening an officer.

More than 1,000 refugees are camping at the settlement in Piraeus which authorities have pledged to empty in the coming weeks.