STREET CLASHES AS TORIES MEET
MPs face smoke bombs and fury
TARGET: PM Mrs May TORIES faced threatening chants and smoke bombs as angry protesters clashed with police outside their conference yesterday.
Furious protesters had their entry blocked by police vans and mounted officers because of a problem with security clearance.
In a £2million security plan, 1,000 officers and extra armed police were drafted in for the four-day event.
Almost 50,000 protesters descended on Manchester to oppose Brexit and austerity, brandishing Tories Out signs and left-wing banners.
Campaigners chanted “Oh Jeremy Corbyn” and sang lyrics including: “People often ask me what it is that makes me tick, it’s Boris Johnson’s head upon a stick.”
Snipers were stationed around the event as Tory bigwigs including Brexit Minister David Davis and former MP Edwina Currie arrived.
Guests were advised to hide their conference lanyards ® while outside and police set up a secret entrance for MPs to sneak in through. Airport-style security was installed across the site, with checkpoints, undercover officers and bag searches. The beefed-up security comes just days after a “Hang the Tories” banner was spotted in nearby Salford, with effigies hanging from nooses. Michael Fabricant MP said the party was being targeted by fascists. Tory activist Michael Farley added: “It’s stupid. I should not have to feel unsafe at my own event.” Campaigners yesterday were quick to deny any Labour involvement in the banner stunt. Councillor Musarat Khan said: “We are here to oppose austerity measures. “I thought that banner was disgusting. It can’t have been Labour members.” Protester Stuart Holmes said people had turned out to campaign against the Tories, who he insisted “have to be stopped”. MASKED: A protester