Protesters, police clash at East West picket
Residents protesting over the East West Link have clashed with police at another community picket this morning.
A small group of protesters formed a human blockade at the North Carlton drilling site at the corner of Princes and Station Street in a bid to stop work on the controversial tunnel project.
They have accused police of using 'excessive force' in their attempts to break up the picket.
Keith Fitzgerald, a life-long Collingwood resident who is fighting to save his home threatened by the project, claims he was thrown to the ground during the ugly stand off.
"There was pushing and shoving between police and the picket line," he said. "We were backwards and forwards trying to hold the picket. All of a sudden they became extra violent and I was thrown out of the picket.
"The level of violence has gone up. Mr Napthine has obviously said to them this morning: 'step this up a bit boys, we can see more of this coming'."
Police have defended their response to the protest, insisting officers used 'reasonable' force.
Inspector Peter Ward said a small number of protesters became 'confrontational' with police.
"What we thought was going to be a peaceful protest escalated into pushing and shoving," he said.
"As a result of that, police were brought in to assist workers getting into the work site.
"The force used by police was reasonable. It's unfortunate that a small group of protesters decided to be confrontational and started to push police lines."
Defiant protesters have vowed to continue their fight.
"I've lived in Collingwood all my life and I'm going to see this through," Mr Fitzgerald added. "I've been there for 69 years and I'm bloody determined to keep it."
