Dozens of ultra-Orthodox clashed with Israeli security forces in Jerusalem on Wednesday, wounding six police officers.

The clashes began after police had come to the neighborhood of Mea Shearim to close down an illegal slaughterhouse.

Open gallery view Ultra-Orthodox residents of Mea She’arim neighborhood in Jerusalem hurl rocks at police, July 13, 2011. Credit: Tomer Appelbaum

Residents of the neighborhood set fire to trash cans and hurled rocks at police officers, wounding six policemen, one of which was transferred to a nearby hospital after he had sustained injuries to his head.

Police forces acted to disperse the demonstration and arrested five protesters.

In recent weeks, ultra-Orthodox activists have been trying to block traffic on a central Jerusalem street every Saturday, with hundreds of religious men often resorting to violence in a bid to prevent cars from desecrating Shabbat.

The protesters have attempted to close off the street using dumpsters, and have been known to attack private cars trying to drive down the usually busy road.