Police 'feared for their lives' during climate camp raid
Major disruptions planned for Sydney have been stopped following a police raid and dozens of arrests north-west of the city.
Officers monitoring Blockade Australia climate change activists say they were forced to act when they were allegedly ambushed by members of the group at Colo, in the Hawkesbury.
Dozens of police cut off the road leading into and out of an isolated property on the Putty Road on Sunday.
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Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan said police involved "feared for their lives" as they were "shoved, pushed, jostled." Nine
An undercover police unit watched the group early this morning, it's alleged activists attacked the officers and slashed their tyres, blowing their cover and forcing them to act two days earlier than planned. Nine
Officers laid siege, then swept into a makeshift camp, where climate activists from were apparently planning their next big move.
An undercover police unit watched the group early on Sunday morning. It's alleged activists attacked the officers and slashed their tyres, blowing their cover and forcing them to act two days earlier than planned.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Paul Dunstan said police involved "feared for their lives" as they were "shoved, pushed, jostled".
"This activity won't be tolerated and we won't allow police to be attacked and we will not tolerate police being manhandled in any circumstances," he said.
Acting Ass Comm Dunstan said the group's camp was raided after a series of "unlawful protest activities Nine
Over the past few months, members of Blockade Australia have blocked Sydney's Spit Bridge, the Harbour Bridge, and Port Botany.
It's believed 10 days ago, dozens of members from across the country began gathering at the private campsite 80 kilometres north west of Sydney.
Neighbours say more people have been turning up, practicing what they planned to do.
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Protesters on the Sydney Harbour Bridge. 9News
Protester suspends themselves from crane at Port Botany. 9News
Blockade Australia said on Facebook the camp was raided by "groups of cops in cammo gear with guns".
"Police are raiding our beautiful camp," the post read.
"Dog squad, riot police, helicopters and fully militarised police are all over us.
"This is how a system based on climate destruction responds to a movement of peaceful climate defenders."
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