The SmashEDO Carnival Against the Arms Trade was held in Brighton on Wednesday 4th June. Over 500 people marched from The Level to the EDO/ITT factory in Moulescombe [Pics] Police plans to contain everyone in a pen outside a neighbouring unit were foiled, and protestors managed to get to the factory. The gates were opened to allow a police van into the EDO/ITT car park and protestors seized the opportunity to enter the car park and vent their rage against the arms company. A few arrests were reported [Press Release]
Timeline:
[15:50] Report of one violent arrest of person leaving. His head was covered in blood and he was complaining of a broken arm.
[15:45] Reports of 4 arrests — 2 outside factory and two of people leaving. An attempt to arrest a legal observer seems not to have worked. Report of 10 people kettled on the Lewes Road.
[15:35] Protestors are now moving in small groups back towards town. One police motorcycle outrider seen covered head to toe in gloss paint. A random arrest for no discernible reason seen under the bridge.
[15:20] Crowd is now moving away from main gate and down the hill. Police appear to be in disarray. Latest report is that gates were opened to allow a police van in, and crowd (possible 100 — 150) took the opportunity to force their way into the car park.
[15:03] Report that a protestor de-arrested himself and managed to escape through 2 police lines.
[14:59] Police are now using dogs to force crowd back.
[14:56] 10 windows smashed. Building graffitied with “smash capita” and “F*ck EDO”. Report that 2 protestors were pepper sprayed. Police used batons to force people out of car park.
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