A large police presence – including several officers with riot shields – shut down streets in London’s downtown on Tuesday morning as tensions flared during a protest against a defence-sector event.

York Street and King Street were closed by police to morning traffic amid the protest, which one organizer estimated drew about 100 people to London’s RBC Place convention centre. One witness told The Free Press that there was a conflict between protesters and others near the venue, which led to one person being arrested.

As of about 10 a.m., there were about 40 protesters at the venue’s main entrance. Some were carrying signs bearing messages like “Stop arming Israel” while chanting. According to its website, the Best Defence Conference is being held at the convention centre Tuesday and Wedn

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