Athens - Public services and transport in Greece have ground to a halt as workers stage a third general strike in protest at the government's austerity measures.

Flights are grounded, and schools and hospitals closed in the 24-hour walk-out called by the two largest unions.

Protesters and police clashed during a march in central Athens, with reports of tear gas being used.

The government says it sympathises with public anger over tax rises and wage cuts but is refusing to back down.

The head of the employers' association has accused the strikers of trying to make Greece into a charity case.

The country currently has a spiralling public deficit of 12.7%, more than four times higher than eurozone rules allow.

Strikes and violent demonstrations have erupted since the measures were announced last month.