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

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.

On Saturday morning, Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Mike Bush said: “People who wear masks do so to disguise their appearance so that they are not identified when they are committing criminal acts.” He also said violence against police was deplorable.

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 an officer. The man will face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 20.

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.

Police Association secretary Wayne Gatt said it would be some weeks before the two would be able to return to work.

“I do note that my members will still go to demonstrations without the provision of head protection from this government,” he said.

Gatt’s comments came after the state government announced officers would soon receive metal detection wands to find more blades in public, a development which he said was less needed than head protection.

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 and Alexander Darling

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