Mass arrests as Melbourne anti-lockdown protesters go bananas

Scores of arrests as several hundred police, anti-lockdown protesters clash in extraordinary scenes in Melbourne.

Scores of people have been ­arrested and 176 fined as several hundred police and anti-lockdown protesters clashed in extraordinary scenes at Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market.

Up to 250 people are believed to have attended the “Freedom Day” rally, their numbers more than matched by police who, in full riot gear, stormed the fruit and vegetable section of the market.

Public order and critical incident response teams, the mounted police and the air wing were also involved.

The protesters gathered at the market about 11am — the event following similar smaller rallies around Melbourne on Saturday that led to 14 arrests and at least 51 fines of $1652 being issued.

Victoria Police said it had arrested 74 people and issued at least 176 infringement notices as a result of the protest at the busy market on Sunday, which dispersed to the nearby Flagstaff gardens. “A 44-year-old Burwood East man, believed to be a primary agitator for these protests, remains in custody and is expected to be charged with incitement,” a police spokesman said.

Police at Queen Victoria Market, where scores of protesters were arrested on Sunday. Picture: David Crosling

“His home will be subject to a search warrant.”

Another person was arrested for assaulting police.

Police said they were dis­appointed many protesters “were aggressive and threatened violence towards officers”, although no injuries to officers were identified, and protesters were wrestled to the ground and handcuffed by multiple police in many instances.

“It was extremely disappointing to see people not just protesting but putting the lives of other Victorians at risk despite all the warnings,” the police spokesman said.

“While it remains unlawful for Victorians to leave home to protest, you can expect that Victoria Police will hold people to account. “Anyone thinking of attending a protest can expect the same swift and firm response from police as has consistently occurred in relation to such behaviour.”

Premier Daniel Andrews said police had his full support. “No protest, regardless of the cause, regardless of the thing you’re for or against, is anything other than selfish at this time,” he said.

Meanwhile, a security guard at Victoria’s parliament has tested positive for coronavirus, prompting presiding officers to close ­access to the building until further notice while cleaning occurs, and raising questions over whether parliament will sit as scheduled on Tuesday.