Nine protesters have been arrested after a demonstration at a west-end meat packing facility turned violent.
Police say a female officer was punched in the face and kicked in the stomach during the protest at St. Helen’s Meat Packers Limited on Thursday.
The officer is not believed to have been seriously injured, police say.
Protesters started gathering at the facility, located in the Weston Road and St. Clair Avenue West area, at approximately 8 a.m.
In a video recording that shows the demonstrators at the site, a large truck is seen slowly backing in to an unloading area. Protesters -- some carrying signs that say “Stop killing animals” – are attempting to block it, while workers push them out of the way.
A number of protesters can also be seen sitting directly in the truck’s path, as an unidentified woman is heard shouting at them to “move away.” The protesters are eventually removed.
Police say nine protesters were arrested for mischief, and preventing the lawful use and enjoyment of a property. Two of those protesters were also arrested for assaulting an officer.
Police say they do not know if the protesters were demonstrating on behalf of an organization. They say the protest was not a lawful one.
