Rioters clashed with police, looted stores and set fires in central Milan, Italy, during a protest against wars and rising living costs on Saturday.

Axar.az reports, citing The Associated Press, that the march began peacefully but turned violent when masked demonstrators threw stones, paving blocks and other objects at riot police and set fire to barricades made from bar tables. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds.

At least two police officers were injured and around 50 demonstrators, including many minors, were detained. The unrest forced the evacuation of Piazza del Duomo and a luxury shopping arcade in central Milan.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence on social media, writing: “Demonstrating is a right. Setting our cities ablaze is not.”

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said the reasons for the protests were understandable, but added that “the violence against law enforcement and serious damage to the city are not justifiable.”

The unrest coincided with nationwide demonstrations in neighboring France over rising living costs and grievances raised by high school students.