Two people have been arrested at protests against an arms fair in Liverpool.
AOC Europe are hosting their annual Military Arms Technology Conference on the city’s waterfront this week at the Arena and Convention Centre (ACC).
But opposition to the two-day event saw former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and actress Maxine Peake adding their voice for it to be cancelled last month.
Merseyside Police arrested a 46-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man on Monday morning on suspicion of conspiracy to commit criminal damage.
The force has enforced a 48-hour dispersal zone, ending at 6.44pm on Wednesday, in attempts to limit antisocial behaviour linked to the conference.
Chief Superintendent Zoe Thornton said: “We have a duty to facilitate peaceful and lawful protest, but will not tolerate acts of criminality and – as in this case – will deal robustly with anyone whose behaviour is suspected to pose a threat to the safety of others.
“Our officers continue to ensure that disruption to residents, businesses and visitors is minimised and we will be working with partners to do all we can to achieve this.”
Organisers have insisted that no arms are being sold at the conference itself.
Gary Waterfall, Clarion Events’ defence advisor, said: “There are no arms being sold whatsoever.
“It’s not about a sales show, this is about sharing ideas, innovation and technology.
“I think it’s really important to recognise the defence industry – across all industries in the UK – is the highest regulated industry that’s out there, so actually anybody who’s come here to exhibit has passed all of the strict guidelines and processes that are in place.”