Police arrest 170 climate activists at Newcastle port protest

A total of 170 people have been arrested and a police officer injured in a dramatic escalation at anti coal protests in Newcastle, New South Wales.

The climate activists were condemned by the police minister after taking over the port for the third day in a row but promised the action wasn't over yet.

The world's largest coal port was swarming with hundreds of protestors as people and paddle power attempt to close the door.

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Rising Tide Climate activists on rafts and boats were calling on the Commonwealth to end all new fossil fuel projects and to halt the work that drives the port.

Police were forced to respond to the peaceful demonstration, pushing the activists to a safe zone as the ships rolled in.

As the containment line buckled protesters were plucked from the water one by one.

Specialist officers from around the state arrested 170 people, including 14 youths

Two people remained in custody tonight to face the Newcastle Local Court tomorrow and a police officer was left with a broken ankle.

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A total of 138 were charged with disrupting a major facility, and 32 with not complying with a direction by an authorised officer relating to safety.

The protest has been running for several days after overcoming a formal challenge in court.

Organisers say the disruption will set to stay port-side until Thursday

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