30 held after summit protest clashes
Police arrested nearly 30 people following violent clashes with anarchists in the centre of Edinburgh today.
A small number of police officers and protesters were treated for minor injuries in hospital.
Senior officers condemned organisers of today’s anti-G8 “carnival”, saying that some of those involved had been bent on causing disruption.
Police officers had stones, staves, bottles and bits of park benches thrown at them.
During the day the number of protesters swelled to over 1,000, police said. They included hard-core activists from across Europe, some of whom were held in what police said were “key” arrests.
Tom Halpin, Assistant Chief Constable of Lothian & Borders Police, said: “Their agenda was not lawful protest, this was about bringing disruption.
“We have been experiencing spontaneous outbreaks of disorder around the Princes Street area of the city.
“Police action to minimise the danger this is causing and to ensure the safety of the public has been, and continues to be, robust and proportionate.
“The so-called carnival has been staged without discussion and clearly those involved are determined to cause as much disruption as possible.
“We have always said that we wanted to assist those who wished to make peaceful protests, but in our view it’s clear this was never on this group’s agenda.
“This was not about protest, this was unacceptable and irresponsible behaviour.
“We are facing a hard-core of determined activists, supported by hangers-on.
“Large numbers have been facing up to the police, they are clearly organised and co-ordinated.
“We have recovered maps, radios, mobile telephones and weapons, including stones and staves and other missiles which have been thrown at police officers.
“There is evidence of weapons being brought into the city centre by protesters, despite their apparent outward display of good humour.
“I’m satisfied that some key ring-leaders are already under arrest. We will continue to police robustly and maintain law and order until the situation is resolved.
“Our police officers have behaved in a measured and professional way, despite extreme provocation and indeed violence.”
There was a huge police presence throughout the day, particularly around Princes Street. Mr Halpin said around 1,000 officers were involved.
At one point 30 police vans were stationed off Princes Street.
Officers employed tactics similar to those used during May Day protests in London, temporarily cordoning off pockets off the city centre and isolating groups of protesters from each other.
The massive police operation included contingents from the Merseyside, South Yorkshire, West Midlands and Lancashire forces.
| Related Stories: |
|
