Things got heated in Melbourne’s CBD yesterday, with thousands of anti-war protesters lighting fires in rubbish bins and throwing bottles, horse manure and acid at police in front of the LandForces defence industry/weapons expo at the city’s Convention Centre. At least 42 protesters were arrested during the clashes, and 27 police were injured. A spokesperson from the Disrupt Wars group said protesters were there for “all those who have been killed by the type of weapons on display”. Given the heightened tensions at protests Australia-wide this year, Victoria Police preemptively deployed hundreds of extra officers – saying it could be their largest operation in almost 25 years. PM Anthony Albanese also chimed in – he said “you don’t say you’re opposed to defence equipment by throwing things at police”. The expo runs until Friday – so more unrest is expected.