Police outsmart anti-lockdown protesters in Melbourne, more than 50 arrested

Dozens of anti-vax and anti-lockdown protesters have been arrested at turbulent demonstrations in Melbourne.

More than 50 anti-vaccination and anti-lockdown protesters have been arrested after a day of turbulent demonstrations in Melbourne.

Riot police converged across inner Melbourne on Saturday after groups of protesters attempted to storm multiple locations.

Protesters were outnumbered and outsmarted by police, attempting to change their locations through encrypted messaging - bids that were thwarted several times.

The protesters, who originally planned to meet at Princes Park, were repeatedly met by police, including officers on horseback.

An anti-lockdown protester being detained by police in Princess Park. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

It’s believed police arrested several protesters. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

Police constantly moved across the city ahead of them, quickly dispersing groups and questioning locals about their addresses.

Roadblocks were also set up checking people’s addresses.

Police later said 57 people were arrested for various offences, issuing 42 penalty notices for breaching the chief health officer’s directions.

A maskless man who was arrested told officers to send him a “f**king shitty fine” as they handcuffed him and took his dog, according to the Herald Sun.

One man, posing as a member of the press, told the man he did a great job as he filmed his arrest.

“Victoria Police will continue to have a highly visible presence to maintain public safety, and to ensure any protest activity that breaches the CHO directions does not impact on the broader community’s right to go about their daily lives,” police said.

Police continually outsmarted the protesters. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

Protesters attempted to change locations but were repeatedly met by police. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

Police had warned they would be out in force in an attempt to quash any chaos.

“There will be a highly visible police presence in the Melbourne CBD, on the roads and across the public transport network on Saturday,” a police spokesperson 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.”

Police had earlier warned they would be out in force. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

Riot police and officers on horseback patrolled the city. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Sarah Matray

More than 600 people have been arrested at violent protests across the city since last month.

Activists had vowed to return to the CBD every day until their demands were met, but multiple protests were quashed after major gatherings in Richmond, the West Gate Bridge and the Shrine of Remembrance.

Demonstrators trashed the CFMEU office in Elizabeth St following a march through Richmond and Kew, where they clashed with police.