Protester hurt in East-West Link picket
An East West Link protester has hit her head during another ugly clash with police, this time at a picket targeting a construction firm bidding for the controversial tunnel project.
Around forty officers were called in to remove protesters blockading three entrances of building giant John Holland's Abbotsford office as the group takes on the private sector in its fight against the road development.
Bike chains were placed around gates at the entrance to the office building on Tuesday morning and protesters linked arms, preventing staff from entering.
About 50 protesters were at the office in Trenerry Crescent, protest leader Anthony Main said.
Scuffles broke out as police stepped in to move protesters back and allow workers inside.
Workers eventually gained access to the office building at around 9.30am. Police said the protest dispersed after that and no one was arrested.
One protester was treated by paramedics after hitting her head on a parked car during the stand off with police.
Residents fighting the development have been picketing drill sites for weeks, and now say they will target private companies.
There were rowdy scenes last week when residents clashed with police at a North Carlton drilling site.
Police have defended their response to the protest, insisting officers had taken a 'non-confrontational approach'.
