POLICE in Greece violently clamped down against demonstrators backed by the country’s Communist Party, who tried to prevent a concert by US military cadets on Wednesday evening.

The police assault took place in the central Greek city of Larissa ahead of a concert by members of the West Point Glee Club, which is touring Greece.

Videos and photos shared on social media show police firing tear gas to push back the demonstrators outside a municipal theatre.

Officers also clashed with a smaller number of protesters as they entered the building.

Grassroots workers’ organisation Pame Greece International said: “Violent attacks by police will not stop militant protests by the unions who want to see the Nato orchestra concert cancelled.”

It was not immediately clear if the concert took place. Authorities and the venue couldn’t be reached for comment.

Protest organisers from the Communist Party of Greece oppose the presence of US troops in Greece as well as Greek military support for Ukraine and involvement in international maritime security missions in the Red Sea.

There were no reports of any arrests or injuries.