World

Violent unrest in Milan as police detain 160

By AAP Newswire

Oct 19, 2026

Protesters in front of the Milan Cathedral — Protesters have gone on the rampage outside Milan's historic cathedral. -AP

Masked youths have gone on a violent rampage in Italy's northern city of Milan for a second consecutive day, smashing shop windows, looting stores and supermarkets.

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Italian news agency ANSA reported that youths, mostly dressed in black, targeted businesses around the central Piazza del Duomo (Cathedral Square).

Police used tear gas and water cannon and detained at least 160 people, around 80 per cent of them minors.

Serious clashes also broke out in Milan and other major Italian cities on Saturday on the sidelines of peaceful demonstrations against the high cost of living.

Italian media drew comparisons with violent riots that are taking place in multiple cities in France.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called a meeting with security officials at her office in Rome for Monday.

"I have called a meeting on public order at Palazzo Chigi for tomorrow to assess the situation and discuss further measures against those who exploit legitimate demonstrations to sow violence and chaos," ANSA quoted her as saying.