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POLICE IN MANHATTAN arrested dozens of protesters, including a handful of people in wheelchairs, and one dressed as a polar bear, last night, ahead of today’s UN climate summit.

The #FloodWallStreet movement, which is opposing the role of capitalism in exacerbating climate change, held sit-ins, blockades and protests in the city’s Financial District all day yesterday.

John Minchillo / PA John Minchillo / PA / PA

Around 100 people were arrested after occasionally violent clashes with police, who had set up barricades to prevent their access to Wall Street, the location of the New York Stock Exchange.

Police used pepper spray at times, to disperse the demonstrators.

Among those arrested was a small handful of disabled activists.

The overnight hero of the demonstration, however, was a man dressed as a polar bear who was among the dozens arrested.

According to reports, organisers had not been given a permit by the NYPD.

AP / Press Association Images AP / Press Association Images / Press Association Images

The Flood Wall Street movement, in collaboration with the Climate Justice Alliance, timed their protests ahead of today’s UN Summit on climate change at UN HQ in New York.

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