RIOT POLICE STOP ANARCHIST ASSAULT ON BRITAIN'S BORDERS

NEARLY 50 protesters were arrested in Calais as they tried to help hundreds of illegal migrants walk into Britain during a week of protests against UK border regulations.


Heavily armed riot police were drafted in after the activists – from Britain, Germany, Italy and France – threatened to tear down fencing around the Channel Tunnel and lead the migrants into Britain.

But the 1,500-strong mob was outnumbered by security forces who guarded the ferry port and the tunnel entrance. continues here

Police officers injured in May Day anti-war protests in Brighton

Three police officers were injured during clashes with anti-war protesters after hundreds gathered for a May Day demonstration.



Police said missiles were thrown at officers and their horses as activists marched through Brighton to demonstrate against an arms factory in the city.

Shop windows were scrawled with red graffiti, paint bombs were thrown and a handful of protesters climbed up scaffolding and unfurled a banner on top of Barclays bank.

The three officers suffered minor injuries after attempting to control the crowds in the seaside resort.

Sussex Police, who put the number of protestors at 500, made three arrests, including one for assaulting a police officer.

Brighton and Hove City Commander, Chief Supt Graham Bartlett said: “Once again, during a demonstration organised by Smash EDO, we have seen unjustified acts of violence aimed at premises and police officers, with some officers receiving minor injuries.

“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. One member of public was struck in the face by a missile and had to be treated by a police medical team.”

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "Missiles have been thrown at police officers and police horses by the demonstrators.

"Three officers have suffered minor injuries – I do not believe they need hospital treatment."

The May Day march was organised by campaign group Smash EDO and was aimed at defence manufacturer EDO MBM Technology.

Smash EDO were criticised by Sussex Police for refusing to reveal in advance exact details of the protest, including how many people were expected and the route they planned to take.

They did, however, create an "antimilitarist" map of Brighton pinpointing more than 30 banks and businesses, including the city's American Express building, police stations and several McDonald's restaurants, and published it on their website.

Protesters chanted "Whose streets? Our streets" as they marched through the city, while police officers on horseback cleared the way ahead of them.

They also paused and jeered as they passed an Army Recruitment Centre.

A spokesman for the group claimed there were up to 1,000 protestors.

Organisers had instructed protesters to wear red, but many wore black with masks covering their faces, which they said was a stand against the country's surveillance society. Others wore more colourful costumes, including families with young children who were adorned with face paints and fancy dress.

Jane Blackson, 30, brought her daughter, Lala, four, to the protest.

"We must still make sure the government knows that we've not gone away and we're not happy for them to bomb people, and for this town to be making the bombs that kill innocent people", she said.

Smash EDO claim EDO MBM Technology has played a crucial part in acts of aggression by coalition forces in the Middle East. continues here

Violence on Paris streets as millions protest against Nicolas Sarkozy's handling of economic crisis

Violent skirmishes broke out in Paris last night after a day in which millions took to the streets as part of a nationwide protest over the government's handling of the economic crisis.



Schools, courts, post offices, universities and hospitals were closed, with public transport severely disrupted, as up to 200 marches were organised against President Nicolas Sarkozy's approach to the global downturn.

The biggest protests were in Paris, where police said up to 85,000 people took five hours to walk from Place de la République to Place de la Nation. As the light faded, hundreds of riot police were sent to the area where anarchist groups waving revolutionary flags were among those massing. Riot police fired rounds of tear gas after demonstrators lit fires and smashed shop windows. Fighting broke out on all corners of the square, with police moving in to try to arrest ring leaders.

Chants of "Sarkozy resign" were heard as what appeared to be well organised gangs went on the rampage in surrounding streets, targeting banks and other symbols of capitalism.A riot police spokesman said: "There are a number of people who seem

”As the light faded, hundreds of riot police were sent to the area where anarchist groups waving revolutionary flags were among those massing.”

determined to cause trouble. We are doing everything we can to maintain order."

There were more than 300 arrests in Paris alone, according to police. Ten officers were seriously injured by a variety of missiles, including bottles, metal bars and bricks.

Earlier, unions said that the number of protesters nationwide had approached three million. Police put the estimate at greater than the two million who took part in similar demonstrations at the end of January.

The latest strike won support across the country, with three quarters of those questioned in polls saying they feared for their futures.

Mr Sarkozy unveiled a package of proposals, including tax breaks and social benefits, after January's strike, but protesters said the £2.3 billion deal was not enough. The president said on Wednesday he understood "the concerns of the French people" but ruled out plans for further measures.

He rejected mounting calls by unions and the opposition to suspend a 50 per cent cap on income tax, arguing that it would drive wealthy taxpayers abroad.

The CGT (confederation of labour) led the Paris demonstration behind a banner that read: "United against the crisis, defend employment, spending power and public services". continues here