WA police are investigating the serious allegation that protesters have set up 'trip wires' at the site of the Roe 8 project in Perth's southern suburbs after a police horse was injured.
Hundreds of protesters have been a permanent fixture at the site of the controversial Roe 8 project in Coolbellup, which is part of the planned Perth Freight Link.
Protesters claim the four-lane highway through the Beeliar Wetlands will destroy habitat for endangered and rare species, like the southern brown bandicoot and Carnaby's cockatoo.
A police spokesperson said a horse suffered a minor leg injury after striking a wire cable that had been placed around trees on Tuesday morning.
"Officers subsequently found about 40 metres of heavy braided wire within the site, in an area of low visibility, a situation that is dangerous to people or animals entering the site," he said.
"Police are investigating the incident and anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
WA Environment Minister Albert Jacob earlier confirmed on police were probing the trip wire allegations.
"I can't say too much because WA police have an active investigation going on but it's a very concerning development," Mr Jacob told Radio 6PR.
"I'm glad this was discovered before anyone got hurt but a very concerning development down there on that site."
Last week, police clashed with protesters, after the fences guarding the area were pushed down, a woman holed up in a tree platform and more people chained themselves to machinery.
The works has been halted on a number of occasions as protesters have attached themselves to machinery.
City of Melville councillor Tim Barling and City of Fremantle councillor Sam Wainwright were among those arrested last week, with protesters wanting work to stop until the March state election.
More than 100 police officers attended the protest, including plain-clothed detectives, mounted police and the dog squad.
More to come.
