3 arrested after protesters barricade themselves inside Newcastle University building
Three people have been arrested, after pro-Palestine protesters entered, and barricaded themselves inside.
Three people have been arrested, after pro-Palestine protesters entered a Newcastle University building, and barricaded themselves inside.
It follows several weeks of protesters camping out in front of the Northern Stage building on the campus, in protest at the conflict in Gaza.
Yesterday around 20 protesters entered the Armstrong building, sharing footage on social media, before leaving later yesterday evening.
Two men – aged in their 20s – were arrested in connection with public order offences and both remain in police custody at this time.
Another man aged in his 60s was arrested for breach of the peace and has been released.
There are also reports of protesters moving down onto the Tyne Bridge, and earlier today more protesters gathered outside the Forth Banks Police station in Newcastle.
A Newcastle University spokesperson said: “Approximately 20 protestors entered our Armstrong Building yesterday afternoon and barricaded themselves in.
"Our security team dealt with the situation on site with the assistance of Northumbria Police. The protesters left of their own accord at 9.30pm and the building was secured.
“While we have always respected students’ rights to peaceful protest, unauthorised occupation of university property is trespass.
"We wish to be clear that this behaviour is unacceptable and any student identified as being involved, or intentionally disrupting the education of other students, will face disciplinary action in line with our code of conduct.
“Protests should be within the law - we do not tolerate and we condemn the use of violence, threatening or abusive words or behaviour that causes, or is likely to cause, distress.”
A Northumbria Police spokesperson said: “Shortly after 4.10pm yesterday (Wednesday), we were made aware of a protest ongoing at Newcastle University where a group of people had barricaded themselves into a campus building.
“Police attended the scene to engage with all parties involved, with the safety of everyone in attendance including the protesters, members of the public and officers paramount.
“While the activity mainly passed without incident, a number of protesters outside the building refused to comply with police instruction and seemed intent on gaining entry.
“Later that evening, some protesters moved on to other parts of the city centre – causing considerable disruption.
“Two men – aged in their 20s – were arrested in connection with public order offences and both remain in police custody at this time.
"Another man aged in his 60s was arrested for breach of the peace and has been released.
“As a Force, we uphold the right to peaceful protest. However, if any criminal offences are committed, then those responsible can expect to be dealt with appropriately.”