Protest turns violent in Auckland

Auckland police had to call in numerous extra policing resources to prevent protestors from forcing entry into Sky City this afternoon.

Approximately 5 to 6 police staff attended the protest today to facilitate the right of protest balanced against the needs of the public to pass freely through the area. It was a low key police approach.

A crowd numbering around 150+ have tried to force entry to sky city but were blocked by a small number of police supported by Sky City personnel.

Extra policing resources were sent to the City area to support our staff. The protestors started a fire in the middle of a nearby road. They tried to feed the fire with cardboard boxes.

Police staff moved in to prevent escalation and two officers were separated, attacked and kicked numerous times. Fire appliances were called to the scene to help.

The crowd moved off through CBD streets to Aotea Square. Two arrests were made. One of these arrests was a female that stomped on a constables head.

Police were extremely disappointed at the reckless actions of some of the protestors, their actions meant that normal police resources throughout Auckland were not available to attend normal calls for service. There were a number of protestors that were genuine in their approach and not violent. The violent protestors that were part of their group put their colleagues in unecessary danger.

ENDS

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