By Steve Butcher
Four men have been arrested over a fight at Melbourne's busiest court. The fight erupted inside the building during a criminal case.
It is believed the fight started when the accused man and another person crossed paths inadvertently after a change of courtrooms at the Melbourne Magistrates Court. The fight was outside a courtroom in a public area on the third floor.
One of the men suspected of being involved in a brawl at Melbourne Magistrates Court. Credit: Eddie Jim
Police attended the scene just after 11.15am after reports of a fight between five people, police spokeswoman Belinda Batty said.
Ms Batty said protective services officers used pepper spray to break up the fight. Four men were arrested and interviewed by police.
A man suspected of being involved in a brawl at Melbourne Magistrates Court. Credit: Eddie Jim
"One man has been taken to hospital with a minor laceration. No one else was injured during the incident," she said.
One of the men suspected of being involved in the fight is believed to be a kickboxer who allegedly clashed with the defendant in the case.
Police shut access to the third floor and spoke to participants and witnesses.
About eight courtrooms were emptied after the fight.
A man is taken away after a suspected brawl at Melbourne Magistrates Court. Credit: Eddie Jim
The third floor was quickly evacuated after concerns the pepper spray had moved into the air-conditioning system.
One man was wheeled out with blood on his forehead, while another had his shirt ripped and was wiping his eyes after being hit with pepper spray.
One of the men suspected of being involved in a brawl at Melbourne Magistrates Court. Credit: Eddie Jim
Three men were led handcuffed and separately from the court by police into waiting divisional vans.
Ambulance officers confirmed they were called to the court about 11.20am.
Police take a man away after a suspected brawl at Melbourne's busiest court. Credit: Eddie Jim
Paramedics treated a man believed to be aged in his 50s.
Three of the men have since been released pending further inquiries, while the fourth man was still in police custody on Monday evening.
With Jane Lee, Adam Cooper, Robyn Grace and AAP