An imminent EU-IMF loan rescue failed to dispel Greek gloom yesterday over giant budget cuts which could spell an uncertain economic future as the country's main labour union warned of fresh protests.

The launch of an unprecedented bailout worth €110 billion badly needed by debt-hit Athens could be days away but the mood is dominated by the week's deadly riots and fear of the coming austerity storm.

The mound of flowers outside a firebombed Marfin bank where three young staff died last Wednesday continued to grow yesterday with many Athenians expressing outrage over the deadliest street protest in two decades.

"They ought to hang the perpetrators in central Syntagma Square," an elderly passerby told state television NET, his voice shaking.

"It's so sad going to work one day and never coming back," added a middle-aged woman before breaking into tears.

There is concern that the draconian cuts, worth around €30 billion in tax hikes and spending cuts, could plunge the recession-hit Greek economy into deeper trouble, dampen productive initiative and create cracks in social cohesion.

"There is a risk that fear will paralyse the country's workforce," said political analyst George Sefertzis.

"And a graver risk that this fear will turn into anger," he said.