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230 arrested, 2 officers injured in Philadelphia protests

Human barricades block traffic

PHILADELPHIA (CNN) -- Forming human barricades, protesters blocked traffic in two areas of the Center City downtown district on Tuesday afternoon, the latest in a series of demonstrations that have coincided with the Republican National Convention. Police arrested 230 people before the GOP convention began its evening session

In one of the locations, police said bottles were thrown at officers. Detective Toni Cook said two officers were injured after liquid was thrown in their eyes. "They were treated and they're OK," she said. Cook added that 25 patrol cars were damaged -- mostly broken windows -- by unruly protesters.

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At the intersection of Broad and Spruce streets in Philadelphia, a line of officers surround a group of demonstrators in what appears to be a standoff  

Police spokesman David Yarnell said the demonstrations appeared to be "a coordinated eruption." He added, "It's a dynamic number that's constantly changing."

Traffic was being diverted from the areas, which were miles from the convention center.

Near the intersection of 16th and Callowhill streets, protesters chained themselves together using plastic pipe and they sprawled on the street. The devices are known as sleeping dragons. Other activists carried signs, protesting "big money" corporate interests.

At the intersection of Broad and Spruce streets, a line of officers surrounded another group of demonstrators in what appeared to be a standoff. Police spokeswoman Stephanie McNeil said 13 arrests came from that demonstration.

At the intersection of 15th and Walnut streets, McNeil said that roughly 600 protesters, some of them wearing gas masks and rain coats, were throwing bottles and red paint. She said some officers had been injured.

It was not immediately clear what any of the protesters were advocating.

In another incident, police surrounded a warehouse in the northwest section of the city after being tipped that illegal activity was taking place there.

Police suspect the warehouse may be a command center for some protesters.

"There is some kind of situation brewing there," said Luz Cardenas, a spokeswoman for Mayor John F. Street. "There is some substance there that they want to take out," she said.

Dozens of officers blocked streets in front of the building and at least one officer was on the roof. Three policemen wearing bulletproof vests ran down an alley alongside the building.

Police said they were waiting for a search warrant to enter the facility.

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