German authorities are condemning supporters of a far-right party for attacking backers of a new camp for refugees in the eastern city of Dresden.

A demonstration against asylum seekers by the far-right National Democratic Party on Friday evening faced a larger counter-protest. Projectiles were thrown and three people were injured, news agency dpa reported.

Later Friday, the first refugees arrived at the new camp, which is run by the German Red Cross and will largely house people from Syria. They were greeted by applause from around 200 supporters.

Saxony's state government condemned the violence. The governor's chief of staff, Fritz Jaeckel, said Saturday that attacks on people welcoming refugees are unacceptable and those involved will be pursued.

Germany has seen a surge in asylum applications this year.