World Bulletin / News Desk

Italian riot police fired tear gas Saturday as stone-throwing protesters demonstrated against Austrian plans to restrict the border to control refugees heading north, local media reported.

Austria has announced proposals to erect a fence at the Brenner Pass between the two countries. In April, the Austrian parliament passed a law allowing police to arrest and deport refugees.

Around 400 demonstrators, many from the Black Bloc anarchist group, stormed a train station on the Italian side of the border, throwing stones and firecrackers at police.

At least four Italian police officers were injured and five protesters detained.

Earlier, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi criticized Austria’s border measures. Writing on his blog, Renzi said border restrictions were against European laws and values. “The idea of closing the Brenner border gate is unashamedly against European history, mentality and future,” he said.

Austrian Interior Minister Wolfgang Sobotka has urged Italy to take further measures to stem the flow of refugees.