Seattle police use pepper spray on Occupy activists

Seattle activist Dorli Rainey, 84, reacts after being hit with pepper spray during an Occupy Seattle protest (AP)

Seattle police were forced to defend their actions yesterday after blasting a pregnant woman and an elderly activist with pepper spray in an attempt to disperse Occupy Seattle protesters.

Fellow demonstrators came to the aid of 84-year-old Dorli Rainey (pictured, left) late Tuesday when she was hit in the face with the irritant at the anti-capitalism protests. A police spokesperson said pepper spray is "no more dangerous to someone who is 10 or someone who is 80".

Earlier in the day, up to six journalists were arrested along with hundreds of protesters in the New York police raid on the Occupy camp in Zucotti Park. They were accused of trespassing on private property.

And yesterday about 55 protesters were held by police for violating a curfew in Nashville. Seven people were also arrested at an Occupy camp in Texas as police tried to dismantle tents.