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Police criticise anti-war protest | |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Police have criticised May Day anti-war protesters for pelting officers with missiles and causing criminal damage. | |
Sussex Police said three people were arrested, including one for assaulting an officer, amid some violent scuffles during the demonstration in Brighton. | |
Police say three officers suffered minor injuries like twists and sprains. | |
Campaign group Smash EDO, which wants local arms factory EDO MBM Technology closed, organised the protest which it described as a "huge success". | |
'Intimidated' | |
Smash EDO estimated about 1,000 protesters had gathered on Monday, but Sussex Police said it was about 500. | Smash EDO estimated about 1,000 protesters had gathered on Monday, but Sussex Police said it was about 500. |
Brighton and Hove City Commander, Chief Supt Graham Bartlett, said: "Once again... we have seen unjustified acts of violence aimed at premises and police officers. | |
"Members of public including many visitors to the city have been clearly frightened and intimidated by a small minority of the group who have been verbally abusive, and throwing missiles at police. | |
Sussex Police said three officers were slightly hurt and three people arrested | |
"One member of the public was struck in the face by a missile and had to be treated by a police medical team." | |
Police also criticised organisers for not telling them how many protesters were expected and what route they would take. | |
Protests began with a street party in front of the Palace Pier before moving through the city centre and on to the factory to the north of the city. | |
A small number of demonstrators surged towards officers in riot gear and flares were let off. | |
And one small group scaled scaffolding in front of a branch of Barclays Bank and unfurled a banner. | |
Later groups of protesters gathered in the grounds of St Peter's Church and listened to music. | Later groups of protesters gathered in the grounds of St Peter's Church and listened to music. |
A number of others returned to the pier where they were surrounded by police in riot gear. | A number of others returned to the pier where they were surrounded by police in riot gear. |
Smash EDO spokeswoman Chloe Marsh said the day was a "huge success". | |
"Large crowds arrived on foot and on bikes, bringing sound-systems, banners and a carnival dragon," she said. | |
At least 30 protesters had reported injuries and some were struck with batons by officers concealing their identity numbers, she said. | |
The march was a larger version of a demonstration regularly staged against EDO MBM Technology. | |
The weapons manufacturer has never commented on the protests. |