The protesters threw stones at the EU office, burnt tyres outside and tried to enter the compound. They later clashed with security forces who intervened and arrested two youths.

The protests come amid outrage across the Muslim world over the publication of the cartoons in several European countries.

Islamic tradition prohibits depictions of prophets as blasphemous.

Police and witnesses said the youths had managed to take down the EU flag from the building and replace it with the Palestinian flag. They chanted slogans against Denmark and pledged to give their "blood to redeem the Prophet".

Youths also attacked Germany's nearby representative office, smashing windows with hammers and damaging the courtyard. A burned German flag was found on the floor.

No staff were believed to have been in either building.