Police ‘sick and tired’ as they hunt eight protesters over rock attacks

Police say they are “sick and tired” of protesters using rallies to be violent towards officers, as they hunt for eight people who allegedly threw rocks, glass, and bottles during a violent protest in Melbourne last month.

Protesters had intentionally brought ballast rocks from outside the CBD to use as projectiles during the October 19 rally, Detective Inspector Geoff Owen said.

Ballast rocks are used primarily to stabilise railway tracks and for large-scale civil engineering projects such as retaining works, and are not found around the city.

“Melbourne should be a vibrant, welcoming place. Instead, we have protesters every week creating unrest and impacting community safety,” Owen said on Thursday.

“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.”

Owen said police were increasingly being targeted by protesters.

Two police officers were taken to hospital after suffering injuries from projectiles during clashes between anti-immigration and counter-protesters at opposing rallies on October 19. Police accused the counter-protesters of fuelling the violence.

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 are now appealing for help to identify eight other protesters they accuse of similar violence.

Many of the suspects were wearing face covering and masks which conceal their identities.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines said new laws introduced to parliament on Wednesday would give police the power to tell protesters to remove masks and other face coverings at rallies.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Carbines would not answer questions about how the new laws would work in volatile situations, such as the October 19 protest.

“They are able to act in advance, when they think that people are going to behave in a way that is contrary to the law,” Carbines said. “And if you don’t remove your mask when you’re asked, you can be charged.”

The two injured officers have since 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.

At the time, counter-protester representatives said police officers were violent and injured protesters while facilitating “the racist, hateful demonstration” of anti-immigration protesters.

Owen said police had acted appropriately on the day and described the actions of the protesters as deplorable.

Both protest groups had about 1000 people, but police said about 50 people were behind the violence. A wand used by police to detect weapons was also stolen on the day.

“There is absolutely no place for such antagonistic and volatile behaviour towards police,” Owen said.

“If you recognise any of the individuals pictured, we urge you to come forward and speak with police.”

Victoria Police Commander Wayne Cheesman made headlines following the protest when he tipped out a cardboard box filled with rocks allegedly thrown at police.

“Melbourne has had a gutful,” Cheesman said. “It’s a bad day for Victoria Police. It’s a bad day for Melbourne. It’s a bad day for the community.”

With Kieran Rooney

Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.