Galery

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Today, police on Kos resorted to fire extinguishers in their attempts to keep illegal immigrants under control. This came a day after the commotion triggered by a policeman slapping a young refugee's face.

This morning saw riots and clashes between police and immigrants who wanted to leave the island.

A little earlier, in a statement the mayor of Kos, Giorgos Kiritsis appealed to the government to immediately solve the issue of illegal immigrants on the island, which exceed 7,000.

"There is a danger of shedding blood and things spiralling out of control", said the Mayor of Kos and called upon the government to take immediate measures.

Kiritsis also emphasised: "This is the last warning of the government, which I make. More than 7,000 illegal immigrants have gathered on Kos. It is no longer possible to deal with the problem. I am warning that the risk of shedding blood is real and present."

The mayor also pointed out that the government must assume its responsibilities and take measures to immediately relocate the illegal immigrants, with a sea vessel being sent for the purpose, and the Navy giving a hand if necessary. Kiritsis also wants special police forces to be sent in to deal with possible unrest and extreme situations. The mayor rebuffed the calls for identification of immigrants as, given the presence of 7,000 people, and the daily arrival of between 600 and 800, they can be neither identified, nor the country's maritime border secured.