Police hunt more protesters over planned rock-throwing attack on officers

Police are hunting for seven more protesters who allegedly threw rocks and glass bottles at officers during a violent rally in Melbourne last month, bringing the total number of suspects to 15.

Two police officers were taken to hospital after suffering injuries during clashes between anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters at opposing rallies on October 19. Some officers were allegedly struck by rocks and glass bottles so hard that they cracked their protective shields.

Police accused the counter-protesters of fuelling the violence, which the group disputed.

On Saturday morning, police appealed for public assistance in identifying seven more protesters accused of assaulting police. Police had already released images on Thursday of eight protesters they allege intentionally brought ballast rocks – used on large-scale civil engineering projects and not found in the city – to hurl at police during the protest.

“The behaviour we witnessed at this protest by a group of counter-protesters was nothing short of deplorable,” Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Bob Hill said on Thursday.

“We are absolutely committed to identifying the alleged offenders and presenting them before the courts.”

Detective Inspector Geoff Owen told reporters that police were increasingly being targeted by protesters.

“Victoria Police supports a peaceful protest, but we’re sick and tired of protesters using their protests as a mechanism to be antagonistic towards police,” he said.

Many of the alleged offenders wore face coverings at the protest.

Last year, Premier Jacinta Allan promised to ban face masks and balaclavas at protests. But the proposal, introduced to parliament on Wednesday, was watered down over the prospect of court challenges and potential opposition from Labor Party faithful.

Last week, a 24-year-old Corio man was charged with multiple offences – including assaulting a police officer and discharging a missile – after allegedly throwing a rock at a police officer. The man will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 20.

Police at the protest on Sunday October 19.Credit: Paul Jeffers

Both officers injured at the protest have returned to work. A female sergeant in her 40s will require ongoing rehabilitation to regain movement in her hand after she was kicked by protesters. A male senior constable received stitches for a cut on his leg.

Counter-protester representatives, responding to allegations by police that they were violent, said it was police officers who injured protesters while facilitating “the racist, hateful demonstration” of anti-immigration protesters.

With Marta Pascual Juanola

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