Fourteen police officers have been injured and 35 people have been escorted to police facilities following violent attacks during protests in Albania’s capital, Tirana, according to the State Police.

In a statement, police called on demonstrators to distance themselves from masked and violent individuals, urging an immediate halt to attacks on officers and the destruction of public and private property.

“Violence must stop immediately,” the police said, stressing that attacks on law enforcement and acts of vandalism have nothing to do with the right to protest.

Authorities warned that the safety of both police officers and civilians was at risk, calling on demonstrators not to support or join those engaging in violence.

“The right to protest is guaranteed by law, but it does not give anyone the right to use violence, attack police officers, or destroy public and private property,” the statement said.

The State Police added that officers were continuing efforts to identify and escort to police facilities individuals suspected of committing violent acts and those who had worn masks during the demonstration.

Those responsible for the attacks and destruction, police said, would be identified and held accountable under the law.

The announcement comes amid hours of unrest across Tirana, where government buildings, financial institutions, businesses and public infrastructure have been targeted, with fires and extensive property damage reported at multiple locations.

The latest figures provide an indication of the toll on law enforcement as authorities attempt to contain the escalating unrest and restore public order in the Albanian capital.