Woman wearing trump-style hat among those caught up in anti-lockdown protest

Police are trying to track down people who may be able to assist with their inquiries after anti-lockdown protests including a woman wearing a Trump supporter-style hat.

A woman in a Trump supporter-style red cap and a man wearing a mask are among those who Victoria Police believe may be able to assist with their inquiries after they were caught on camera at anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne’s CBD.

Flares were lit and police were assaulted at the rowdy protests at Flinders Street Station on Thursday’s night as Victorians expressed their anger after the sixth lockdown for the state was announced.

Victoria Police have released images of two people pictured at the protest who they say may be able to assist with their inquiries.

Police want to speak to this woman. Picture: Victoria Police

A police spokeswoman said they believe a flare was released by a man at the intersection of Flinders and Swanston streets about 8.15pm on Thursday. Police want to speak toa man in a Guy Fawkes mask in relation to that incident.

“The man police believe can assist with their inquiries is perceived to be caucasian in appearance and aged in his 30s,” she said.

“He was seen wearing a black hooded jumper, dark-coloured pants and white sneakers. He was also seen wearing a Guy Fawkes mask.”

The white and black Guy Fawkes mask is associated with online group Anonymous and was worn in the movie V for Vendetta.

Police would also like to speak to this man. Picture: Victoria Police

Police believe the woman could assist them with their investigation into a bottle thrown at police officers, striking one and causing minor injuries.

“The woman police want to speak to in relation to this incident is perceived to be caucasian in appearance, aged in her 20s, wearing a black jacket, pink top and light-coloured pants,” the spokeswoman said.

“She was seen wearing a red cap, believed to have the phrase ‘Make America Great Again’ on it and was carrying a large black speaker.”

The woman was seen wearing a red cap and was carrying a large black speaker. Picture: Supplied by Victoria Police

In separate incidents, a police officer was allegedly thrown to the ground and kicked at the protests, which Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius called a “dog act”.

He said the police officer was pushed over by unruly protesters outside Melbourne East police station while trying to control hundreds of illegal demonstrators.

Mr Cornelius said the male officer was then allegedly kicked while lying on the ground.

“Thankfully, that member suffered only minor cuts and abrasions and didn’t require medical attention,” he said.

“I have to say though, kicking a police officer while he is down, is a dog act.”

Mr Cornelius said police had to deploy capsicum spray so they could “retrieve and rescue their member and ensure he was safe”.

Hundreds gathered in the Melbourne CBD on Thursday night for an unruly anti-lockdown protest. Picture: Twitter

Police arrested 15 people and fined 16 others as hundreds of protesters converged on the city as Victoria was plunged into its sixth Covid-19 lockdown.

The group, most of whom were not wearing masks, met at Flinders St at 7pm on Thursday before marching to Swanston St and circling the CBD.

The crowd chanted “no more lockdowns” and “sack Dan Andrews” as at least two flares were lit.

A police car was also damaged, with both of its wing mirrors smashed off, while police have vowed to use CCTV footage to track down the remaining protesters to hold them to account.

The protest started at Flinders Street Station and moved through the CBD. Picture: Suzan Delibasic

Mr Cornelius said four of those arrested were known to police as the organisers of the protests that have plagued the city over the past months and across six Covid-19 lockdowns.

He said the alleged offenders would be assessed for charges over the “deliberate organising” of the protests.

“We are very keen to bring every accountability to bear on those individuals to stop them generating and instigating these protests,” Mr Cornelius said.

“It is expected they will be presented to court on appropriate charges, such as incitement,” he said.

Investigators are urging anyone who witnessed these incidents or with information that may help identify those people, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Woman wearing trump-style hat among those caught up in anti-lockdown protest