Crowds of protesters gathered outside Liverpool's criminal court buildings this morning to protest against the appearance of two anti-arms fair activists.
The large crowd gathered to support two activists who protested against the AOC Electronic Warfare event, held at the ACC Centre in October last year. The controversial event was the cause of major protests at the time around Liverpool's waterfront, which required a huge police presence.
The two activists, Sue Ferguson and Ruth Knox, appeared at Liverpool and Knowsley Magistrates Court this morning over an alleged a spray paint protest in October. Images taken this morning showed protesters gathered on the steps of the court building in Derby Square in the city centre.
READ MORE: Major protests underway as controversial Liverpool arms fair event begins
Protesters started gathering outside the court shortly before 9am ahead of Ferguson and Knox's appearance in court at 9.45am. Those gathered could be seen holding banners and placards with messages including "Justice 4 Ruth and Sue. Shame on Liverpool City Council " and "Liverpool against the arms fair".
Liverpool Council and Mayor Joanne Anderson came under pressure to cancel the event before it was held, but while Mayor Anderson said she was 'appalled' that it was going ahead, she said she was powerless to stop it.
Ms Knox and Ms Ferguson could be seen speaking to the crowd before they made their way into the court building. People from a number of groups including Stop the War Coalition, Merseyside Pensioners Association and Liverpool Friends of Palestine were reported to have been in attendance.
