More than 500 people, many of them foreigners, have been arrested since the riots started.

Violent clashes have seen demonstrators pelting police with cobblestones and setting cars on fire.

"This is a display of anger and rage after more than seven years of struggle to keep what is ours," said Jan, a 22-year-old activist who has been going to the building for the last decade.

The riots began when anti-terrorism police evicted the squatters three days ago. Built in 1897, it was originally a socialist community centre -- Vladimir Lenin was among its visitors.

Squatters took over the building in 1982 and turned into a community centre for anarchists. In recent times, it has played host to the likes of Nick Cave and Bjork.

The building was sold in 2000 by the council to a Christian organisation. Previous protests against the planned eviction were also violent - one demonstration last year resulted in the arrests of 300 people.

"The spoiled kids in the Youth House woke up to reality in Danish society where you have a job and pay rent," said Anders Fredrik Mihle of the ruling Liberal Party's youth wing.