Montreal riot police were called to the site of the Francofolies festival after violent altercations broke out on Friday night.

At 11:30, police responded to calls regarding several people throwing bricks and traffic cones at buildings. Up to a dozen sites were vandalized, including several shops, parked vehicles and the SPVM headquarters, where windows and glass doors were smashed.

SPVM Inspector Vincent Richer said several thousand dollars worth of damage was done.

Six police officers suffered minor injuries and two men were arrested. A 24-year-old man will be charged with obstruction of justice and a 25-year-old will be charged with armed assault. Both were relased on Saturday afternoon on a promise to appear in court.

The incident began during performances by a rapper and a heavy metal band at one of the festival’s outdoor stages.

 

 

- With files from CTV Montreal