A protest in favour of a stricter asylum policy in the Netherlands has erupted into violence and chaos as rioters clashed with police and vandalised a political party's office, just weeks before the country holds a general election.

Police used tear gas and a water cannon to disperse rioters who threw objects at officers and torched a police car.

According to the ANP news agency, several thousand people initially took part in a rally against immigration and in favour of stricter asylum regulations and more affordable housing for Dutch people.

The protest got out of hand when about 1500 demonstrators ran onto the A12 motorway through The Hague and obstructed traffic.

There was no immediate word on injuries or arrests.

Dutch media showed rioters also attacking an office of progressive p

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