Athens - Clashes between students and police continued for a third straight day Monday, with thousands of protestors setting fire to government buildings, police stations, businesses in central Athens.

Thick black smoke and flames engulfed the air over central Athens as students set fire to several buildings, including the offices of state airline Olympic Airways and the Foreign Ministry located across from parliament

As dusk settled on the Greek capital, hooded youths could be seen setting fire to the citys Christmas tree and festive village and were reportedly making their way towards the heavily guarded parliament buildings and a string of luxury hotels located in Syntagma Sqaure.

Clearly the worst riots Greece has seen in recent years began within hours of the fatal shooting of a teenager on Saturday night in the bohemian district of Exarhia, in central Athens.

Two police officers have been arrested and charged with manslaughter. (dpa)