NSW COVID rules: Lismore man charged over anti-mask fight

A 22-year-old man will face court after allegedly lashing out at a guard who offered him a mask to wear before attacking bystanders.

A man will appear in court today over an alleged attack at Lismore Central Shopping Centre.

A man has been charged after he allegedly assaulted a security guard and bystanders after refusing to wear a face mask in northern NSW on Thursday.

The 22-year-old was stopped by security at Lismore Central Shopping Centre about 12.40pm and asked to wear a mask as part of the current Public Health Order across the Northern Rivers.

People in the Byron Bay, Tweed, Lismore and Ballina areas are required to wear masks at all indoor places other than homes under current NSW Health coronavirus rules.

When the guard offered the man a mask, he was allegedly punched in the face and head several times before bystanders intervened and were also hit. One suffered neck and face bruises.

Local police then arrived and tried to subdue the man, who allegedly then kicked a senior constable in the face, chest and hands.

Officers used pepper spray, but the man allegedly continued to kick police before being arrested and taken to Lismore Police Station, where police allege he then bit another senior constable on the hand and wrist while in custody.

The man was charged with nine offences including two counts of common assault, two of resisting an officer in execution of duty and assaulting police.

He was also issued a $1000 public infringement notice for failing to following the Public Health Order.

He was refused bail to appear in Lismore Bail Court later today.