THE Police yesterday categorically denied claims on some TV stations that cops fired pellets and that children were injured during the protest at Linden Thursday.

In a statement, Police said it was reported on a `talk show' on Channel 09 Thursday night that cops had fired pellets on persons who were carrying out a peaceful protest at Linden.

A news programme aired on Channel 06 reported that the Police fired pellets on a crowd of people while another newscast on Channel 07 claimed that children who were in the vicinity of the protest received injuries when the Police fired pellets at the crowd, the statement said.

"Contrary to these erroneous reports, the Guyana Police Force wishes to state categorically that at no time during or after the illegal march carried out by the Region 10 Forest Producers Association, did the Police fire pellets at the crowd, neither is there any report of children being injured."

The Police, however, are advising parents and guardians not to allow children to take part in demonstrations and protests, which can become volatile.

Police reported that at about 12:20 hrs on Thursday, members of the Region 10 Forest Producers Association held a really at Kara Kara junction, Linden, for which they had permission.

Persons attending the rally proceeded to block the main road at the junction of David Rose Avenue at Kara Kara, Linden, with wood, zinc sheets and other objects, which held up vehicular traffic for about an hour.

However, the Police eventually removed the obstacles placed across the road, the statement said.

"At 15:30 hrs the President of the Region 10 Forest Producers Association is reported to have instructed those present to block the road again.

"Three vehicles, including one that is being used by the President of the association were then placed across the road causing the flow of vehicular traffic once again to be impeded", Police said.

The statement said that Mr. Philip Bynoe, who appeared to be the leader of the demonstration, "was spoken to by the officer on the ground on at least three occasions to remove the vehicles but bluntly refused to comply with the request of the Police."

The officer and ranks then proceeded to clear the road when the crowd became agitated and began throwing bottles at the Police party, which forced them to regroup at a distance of about 30 yards.

The statement said that at this point, the crowd continued to throw bottles at the Police.

The Police then held up a banner warning the crowd to disperse but they did not.

According to the statement, the Police then used tear smoke to protect themselves and disperse the crowd.

"About 45 minutes later, the crowd, and under the leadership of Mr. Bynoe and others, staged an illegal march through the streets of Linden with over 1,000 persons in attendance.

"A number of vehicles also followed the illegal procession, which concluded at about 23:30 hrs", it said.

Police said there were no incidents in the bauxite mining town yesterday.