Scuffles Erupt As Canadian Police Arrest Protesters Of COVID-19 Mandate

Minor scuffles broke out as dozens were arrested by the Canadian police who cleared protesters from the capital city of Ottawa on Saturday.

This is in a bid to end days of protests by truck drivers against COVID-19 limitations and the government.

The police said they used chemical sprays on several people who had pushed back aggressively at officers during the protests.

The Ottawa police tweeted; "Protesters continue to be aggressive and assaultive on officers.”

"They are refusing to comply with the orders to move. You will have seen officers use a chemical irritant to stop the assaultive behaviour and for officer safety."

The Daily Sabah reports that after clearing a portion of the blockade and making more than 100 arrests on Friday, 47 more arrests were made on Saturday morning, as police moved to disperse the main portion of the blockade in front of parliament and the Prime Minister's office.

The Police were also seen using loudspeakers to warn the crowd to disperse or face arrest. Some of those arrested on Saturday wore body armour and had smoke grenades and other fireworks in their bags and vehicles, the police said.