11.53pm BST
NSW police promise heavy presence for Sydney pro-Palestine march
NSW police is promising a heavy presence for the pro-Palestine march in Sydney, saying hundreds of officers will be checking for “unlawful and anti-social behaviour”.
Adam Johnson, the Central Metropolitan Region Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner , said community safety was the focus.
The first and upmost priority for NSW police is always the safety of those protesting, other members of the public who may be impacted by the protest, and the officers involved in the operation.
Police will have a high-visibility presence at the operation today and will work with participants to ensure there are no breaches of the peace.
We ask all those who will be participating in the protest to please follow police directions and respect those around you. We also encourage other members of the public to avoid the area if possible
The police said hundreds of officers were briefed from 8am today ahead of the march and the closure of the bridge, expected at 11.30am.
The march itself is due to start at 1pm, with protesters gathering at Lang Park.
11.39pm BST
Good morning
Good morning. Graham Readfearn here, bringing your live news coverage for Sunday, with a lot going on.
Later this morning, tens of thousands of people are expected to begin gathering at Lang Park in Sydney for a march across the Harbour Bridge in support of Palestine. Protesters are also planning to blockade the King Street bridge in Melbourne at lunchtime.
There’s also wild weather across NSW with the State Emergency Service responding to more than 1,400 incidents due to severe rainfall, thunderstorms and snow.
We’ll have a lot more detail on all this and more through the day.
Stay safe and if you are heading out in NSW, check the weather and go prepared.
