Hunt for men who allegedly attacked reporter Paul Dowsley at Melbourne’s wild anti-vax riots

The net is closing in on four men who allegedly assaulted 7 News’ Paul Dowsley while he was on air, including an ugly incident that left him bloodied.

Detectives are on the hunt for four men after a Melbourne television journalist was assaulted, spat on and had urine thrown on him during last month’s violent CBD protest, which began at CFMEU headquarters and saw demonstrators invade the West Gate Bridge.

7 News journalist Paul Dowsley was on Swanston St, near Franklin St, on September 21 with his cameraman – covering day two of the protest against mandatory vaccinations in the construction sector – when he was attacked by three men around 11.15am.

The first man, who allegedly grabbed Dowsley by the neck, is perceived to be caucasian in appearance with dark hair. He was wearing a green and grey hi-vis hoodie, dark track pants and black gloves.

The second man, who allegedly spat on Dowsley, is also perceived to be caucasian in appearance, with facial hair, a balding or shaved head. He was wearing a brown jacket and dark pants.

The moment Channel 7 reporter Paul Dowsley was grabbed by a protester at Melbourne's anti-vax rallies. Picture: Channel 7

A man who allegedly grabbed Channel 7 reporter Paul Dowsley around the neck.

A man who allegedly threw urine on Paul Dowsley.

The third man, who allegedly threw a liquid believed to be urine at Dowsley, is described as wearing a bicycle helmet, grey jacket and blue jeans with dark patches.

The journalist said the liquid was thrown in his mouth and was all over him.

Just over an hour later, Dowsley was reporting live on air – in conversation with presenter Mike Amor – when he was further assaulted at the intersection of Flinders Lane and Queen St.

A fourth man allegedly threw a can of the energy drink V which hit the journalist in the back of the head, causing him to bleed.

This man is described as wearing a light blue jumper, blue track pants with a white stripe and a light-coloured beanie.

“I’ve just been struck in the back of the head by a can … that really hurt and I’m going to go back to you Mike,” Dowsley said in live footage of the assault.

Police have released images of all four men, believing they can assist them with their inquiries.

A man believed to be the can-thrower.

This man is believed to have spat on the reporter.

Dowsley took to Instagram on September 21 and said he was “truly overwhelmed by the support” he had received after he was targeted in what he dubbed as “cowardly and violent assaults”.

“I was there to hear and report their opinions, feelings and activities but some felt the best way to show their courage was by attacking me from behind and the side while I was live on air,” he wrote.

“Disgusting acts which are unlikely to gather their cause sympathy or support from the community.”

He thanked the handful of protesters who came to his aid, specifically a tradie by the name of James.

“(He) saw what happened in one incident and went to 7-Eleven to buy me sanitised wipes to clean up the wound on the back of my head,” Dowsley wrote.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or saw these men is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au