Police release CCTV in hunt for anti-lockdown hooligans

These flare-wielding protesters are the top targets police are pursuing from Melbourne’s anti-lockdown rally. See the pictures.

Protesters who set off flares at Saturday’s anti-lockdown rally have been exposed as police pursue fresh arrests.

CCTV images showing two men and a woman holding dangerous flares at the illicit protest have been released by police in a bid to identify them and track them down.

One male was captured brandishing a flare as he screamed in front of a wall of police on the steps of parliament.

Footage showed him waving the flare as he snaked through the tightly packed crowd of protesters angrily chanting “freedom”.

A young woman in a puffer jacket was also seen grasping a flare at the protest, in which 5000-odd people stormed Melbourne’s CBD in response to the latest lockdown restrictions.

Police would like to speak to this man.

This woman’s image was released by police.

Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius lashed the thousands of “selfish” and “self-indulgent” demonstrators whose actions risked a fresh coronavirus outbreak.

The Herald Sun can reveal hundreds of Victorians have heeded Mr Cornelius’s call to dob in those who attended the illegal rally.

Hundreds of reports, including photos and video files that name and shame protesters, have been made to Crime Stoppers.

Teams of police are sifting through the reports and warn those in the wrong will be punished.

“Victoria Police will continue to thoroughly investigate Saturday’s protest and will continue to review all of the evidence captured so appropriate action can be taken against identified individuals where necessary,” a police spokeswoman said.

This man’s image was released by police in a bid to track him down.

Flares burn at more than 1000C and pose a serious risk when discharged in crowded spaces.

Police said those who set off flares at the protest “endangered not only police but people in the vicinity”.

A person found in possession of a flare can be fined up to $18,174 and charged under the Dangerous Goods Act.

The trio wanted over the flare incidents are being investigated by detectives from the Melbourne Criminal Investigation Unit.

Protesters getting more agitated at police @theheraldsunpic.twitter.com/LrDPThtVVm

— Olivia Jenkins (@byoliviajenkins) July 24, 2021

One suspect is described as being aged in his 30s, of medium build with short brown hair and was wearing a plain black T-shirt.

Another man is aged in his late 20s to 30s, of slim build with short dark brown hair and was wearing a grey-and-black hooded jacket.

The female seen holding the flare is believed to be aged in her 20s, of slim build with long brown hair and wearing a dark blue puffer jacket.

A large crowd gathered for the protest in Melbourne on Saturday. Picture: Mark Stewart

Police have charged six protesters and issued a total of 67 fines to those who breached the chief health officer’s directions, including for travelling more than 5km and failing to wear a mask at the rally.

Two people – a 32-year-old Bentleigh woman and a 31-year-old Balwyn North man – have been charged with assaulting an emergency worker.

Two officers were injured, including a mounted branch officer, who had a large bollard thrown at her head while she was on horseback.

Anyone with information about protesters at the rally are urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.