The streets of the capital of Bulgaria are being cleared today, following violent protests overnight.

The actions started over a month ago, triggered by a controversial government appointment, later cancelled.

Hundreds of people blockaded the parliament building, trapping over a hundred politicians and journalists inside.

Police tried to clear a path through the crowd to allow some of the officials to be evacuated in a bus, but the crowd responded by throwing missiles. After an hour the police gave up and the bus returned to parliament.

At least seven protesters and two police were injured, but reports indicate none were serious.

The Bulgarian parliament had been debating a budget amendment which would see an increase in the deficit and borrowing limit.

Earlier the EU’s Justice Commissioner said she sympathised with the protesters.