Police say they “feared for their lives” after being “attacked” during a raid on climate activists connected to Blockade Australia in north-west Sydney.
NSW police say they were conducting “planned investigations” at a Putty Road property in Colo, Hawkesbury, when several people approached them.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Paul Dunstan said the police involved “feared for their lives” as they were “pushed, pushed, pushed”.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Paul Dunstan said the police involved “feared for their lives” as they were “pushed, pushed, pushed”. (new)
“This activity will not be tolerated and we will not allow the police to be attacked and we will not tolerate the police being mistreated under any circumstances,” he said.
They said a police vehicle without signs had damaged tires to prevent it from leaving.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Paul Dunstan said police were involved “fearing for their lives” in the attack on a camp in north-west Sydney. (New) Acting Commissioner Dunstan says group camp was raided after a series of “illegal protest activities (new) Acting Commissioner Dunstan said group camp was raided after a series of disruptive protests in and around Sydney in March, including in Port Botany.
He said the group had announced it would protest again this month.
Police have been attacked and had a damaged vehicle during a raid. (new)
“The police aimed to prevent and stop any other protest activity,” he said.
Two people were arrested and others fled the bush.
More arrests were made later, police said.
A protester is suspended from the crane in Port Botany. (9 News)
Blockade Australia told Facebook that the camp was raided by “groups of camouflaged police and pistols”.
“The police are attacking our beautiful camp,” the publication said.
“Dog squads, riot police, helicopters and fully militarized police are everywhere.”
The property crime scene has been set and police say they hope to arrest more people.