Anti-war protesters clash with cops outside Australian weapons convention

Anti-war protesters clashed with police Wednesday outside a military arms convention in the Australian city of Melbourne.

Protesters hurled bottles, rocks and horse manure, a police statement said. Protesters had also sprayed officers with liquid irritants, some of which had been identified as acid, police said.

Police retaliated with pepper spray, flash distraction devices and by foam baton rounds. These rounds are designed to inflict pain without penetrating skin.

At least 24 officers required medical treatment. Police had arrested 33 protesters for offenses including assault, arson and blocking roadways.

Victoria Police is appalled at the behavior of some of the protesters, the statement said, referring to the Victoria state force.

Around 1,800 police officers have been deployed to a Melbourne convention center where the Land Forces International Land Defense Exposition is taking place through Friday.

Some of the convention attendees also were assaulted, police said.

Witnesse