Nine arrests made at pro-Palestine Action protest

Demonstrations by Defend Our Juries took place across the UK on Tuesday

Nine people have been arrested in connection with a protest in Northampton by activists supporting the lifting of a ban on Palestine Action.

The protest, organised by the UK-based group Defend Our Juries, took place on the steps outside the Guildhall in the centre of town.

Six men, aged between 57 and 87, and three women, aged 75, 60 and 44, were arrested on suspicion of offences and taken into custody under Section 13 of the Terrorism Act 2000, Northamptonshire Police said.

Event commander, Ch Insp Paul Cash, said: "Thankfully this operation has been delivered successfully and without any police officers or members of the public getting hurt."

Defend Our Juries held demonstrations in 10 towns and cities across the UK on Tuesday, with further action planned until 29 November.

Earlier this year, the government made Palestine Action a proscribed organisation, making it a criminal offence under the Terrorism Act 2000 to support it and to hold placards indicating that support.

Several arrests were made across the country, including in Leeds, Nottingham and Truro.

Northamptonshire Police said it was "working with partners and local businesses to prevent serious disruption and disorder, and to ensure the safety of people".