ASTONISHING images show a Turkish tank tearing down border fencing in a bid to let migrants into Greece, it has been claimed.

Greek authorities released the night-vision footage over the weekend showing the armoured personnel carrier knocking down the fencing in the Kastanies region.

9 A Turkish tank helps rip down border fencing at the Greek border, it has been claimed by Greece

9 Asylum seekers gathered between the Kastanies and Pazarkule border gates throw tear gas canisters at Greek security forces Credit: Getty Images - Getty

9 Young people tried to break down a border fence in a desperate attempt enter the country Credit: Getty Images - Getty

This comes as Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on Greece to open its borders for migrants trying to reach Europe.

Other images appear to show hundreds of desperate refugees helping with the demolition tugging on the fence chains which the tank is pulling.

Turkish soldiers can also be seen firing stun grenades, tear gas and blank rounds onto the Greek side.

Amid the chaos, fires broke out on the border filling the area with thick plumes of smoke as the migrants used pliers to cut their through the barriers.

Tensions between Turkey and the EU have been rising over who is responsible for the millions of migrants on Turkish territory - with Erodgan demanding "much more support."

In a speech marking International Women's Day, the Turkish strongman asserted that women and children were bearing the brunt of the crisis.

He said: “Why don't you open your gates too, let them go to other countries, and rid yourself of this burden."

The Turkish leader also added he hoped his talks with the EU, which are happening today, would produce “different outcomes” on the migrant crisis.

9

9 President Erdogan is set to meet with European Council and European Commission leaders in Brussels on Monday Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Erdogan argues that Turkey deserves help dealing with refugees and the fallout from the Syrian civil war.

The EU has accused the Turkish President of using migrants for political purposes, insisting its doors are "closed".

Thousands of migrants headed for Turkey's land border with EU member Greece after Erdogan's government announced earlier this month that it would no longer prevent refugees from crossing over into European Union countries.

He announced that Turkey, which already houses more than 3.5 million Syrian refugees, would no longer be Europe's gatekeeper.

Thousands of migrants have slept under terrible conditions in makeshift camps near the border waiting for the opportunity to enter the Greek side.

Athens has deployed riot police and border guards to repel people trying to enter the country and the border area has since seen violent confrontations.

9 Greece has deployed riot police and border guards to repel people trying to enter Credit: Getty Images - Getty

9 A man and his daughter are seen affected from tear gas used by Greek security forces to disperse asylum seekers Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Fears are also growing that conditions in camps housing migrants could turn them into breeding grounds for the coronavirus.

Hostility towards the new arrivals looks set to grow after Athens voiced concerns that some crossing into the country could carry the virus.

Today, a fire ripped through a refugee centre on the Greek island of Lesbos.

It was the second fire at an installation built for migrants after a reception centre was burned down by unknown perpetrators last Monday.

The warehouse, which contained furniture and electrical appliances, was destroyed but there were thought to be no injuries, a firefighting service spokesman said.

On Saturday, young people threw rocks at Greek police and tried to break down a border fence in a desperate attempt enter the country.

At least two migrants were injured in the confrontations.

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On Sunday, activity at the Greek-Turkish border was reduced compared to previous days, although there were still attempts to breach the border fence with Greek forces pushing back.

According to police data, a total of 745 people were prevented from crossing the border and there were two arrests from 6am to 6pm.

In total, there have been 293 arrests since February 29, and 41,060 people prevented from crossing over into Greece.

9 Many migrants have reported crossing into Greece, being beaten by Greek authorities and summarily forced back into Turkey Credit: Getty Images - Getty

9 President Erdogan has demanded that Europe shoulder more of the burden of caring for refugees Credit: Reuters

Hundreds of migrants head to Greece-Turkey border after Erdogan orders police not to stop them reaching Europe

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