Athens - Unknown assailants carried out arson attacks on various locations in the Greek capital Athens overnight, state radio reported Thursday.

They threw petrol bombs at two car displays in the district of Galatsi, destroying five cars.

They also destroyed the facade of a bank and ignited household gas canisters outside a government building in central Athens.

Nobody was injured in the attacks, but there was substantial damage to the properties, the radio reports said.

Some 600 anarchists staged a peaceful demonstration Wednesday on Hermes Street, the most expensive street in the capital, which was crowded with pre-Christmas shoppers.

At the end of the protest they daubed slogans against the priesthood and the church on the walls and columns of Athens Cathedral.

The number of demonstrators was considerably down on recent protests.

Greece has seen a series of violent protests since police shot dead a 15-year-old boy on December 6.

Pupils and students plan fresh demonstrations against police brutality and nepotism and for reforms in all areas of Greek society on January 9. (dpa)