JOURNALISTS have condemned attacks by police on reporters covering this week’s Black Lives Matter protests in Britain and Ireland.

The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) has demanded “an end to hostility and harassment that is undermining press freedom at a time when journalistic scrutiny is needed more than ever.”

The union reported “several separate incidents” this week in which journalists and camera crews were attacked and threatened, including an attack on an Australian presenter live on air.

The union also received reports from photographers about “unacceptable and abusive behaviour from police officers on duty at the protests, including pushing, shoving and verbal harassment, and is raising concerns directly with the National Police Chiefs Council.”

NUJ general secretary Michelle Stanistreet said: “Political leaders must do more to stem this spiralling antagonism and act to stamp out attacks on journalists, who play a vital role in the spectrum of essential public services.

“Sadly, it’s clear that some leaders are a part of the problem.”