Police swoop on Narre Warren Christian Revival church for breaching Covid restrictions

Dramatic scenes have unfolded as Christian Revivalists faced off with police, after an anti-lockdown pastor vowed to breach Covid laws.

Anti-lockdown churchgoers have faced off with police in ugly scenes in Melbourne’s southeast after their leader vowed to breach lockdown restrictions.

In a video posted to Facebook, church figure Paul Furlong, who told his followers Covid does not exist, said he would lead a service at Revival Christian Church in Narre Warren on Sunday morning.

But police blocked all access to the church, parking cars across the street and questioning anyone who tried to enter.

About 50 mask-less protesters moved to a nearby reserve, where police – including Public Order Response Officers – surrounded them.

Police hold a protester on the ground at the Narre Warren oval. Picture: Tony Gough

Authorities allowed them to finish their speeches then directed them to leave – forming a line and marching forward to move them on – but a scuffle broke out.

Police pinned down one man, while another was pushed back by an officer, sparking roars from the crowd.

Some protesters yelled at officers, calling them “scumbags” and “terrorists”.

An arrested man said he had an exemption and his reason for being outdoors was “a private reason”.

Furlong had been fined for breaching health directions during the lockdown in February after police were called to reports of about 50 people attending an indoor service.

Police on Sunday issued five infringement notices for breaching the chief health officer’s directions following the gathering.

Police surrounded the group, before moving protesters on. Picture: Tony Gough

Several other offences were detected while police were at the scene on Sunday including an unlicensed driver, a driver who returned a positive drug indication test and a person wanted on warrant.

Police said a man was arrested for alleged incitement and breaching bail. A 53-year-old Tyabb man was in custody and was assisting police with their inquiries. Police said investigations into further alleged breaches of CHO directions were ongoing.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman said: “Those who choose to blatantly disregard the CHOs directions and put the health and safety of all Victorians in jeopardy can expect to be held accountable and fined.”

Churchgoers faced off with police. Picture: Tony Gough

It comes after an ugly protest in Melbourne CBD on Saturday, where two anti-lockdown protesters allegedly assaulted and injured police.

In all, 14 protesters were arrested for offences including assaulting police, affray and breaching the chief health officer’s directions, while 55 were issued penalty notices.

The protest at Flagstaff Gardens drew a huge police presence with officers outnumbering the 150 protesters and forming a ring of steel around the gardens.

Anti-vaxxers were on Friday put on notice and warned any attempts to defy public health stay-at-home orders would be cracked down on.