Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton savages anti-police protesters over pride march clash

Dozens of protesters ambushed police taking part in a Melbourne pride march, sparking angry clashes and condemnation from Victoria’s chief commissioner.

Protesters reportedly surrounded police and clashes broke out. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Dozens of protesters ambushed police taking part in Melbourne’s Midsumma Pride march, sparking angry clashes and condemnation from Victoria’s chief commissioner.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said the group of up to 50 protesters – some wearing anti-police costumes including a pig’s head – had shown contempt for the 100 estimated officers.

Mr Patton, who marched in the sweltering heat, had turned out along with Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan to show support for the LGBTQIA+ community.

But the march was hijacked just before 2pm when the protesters reportedly surrounded police and clashes broke out, with video evidence expected to be analysed to determine how the march got out of hand.

The march was hijacked just before 2pm. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Mr Patton, who has followed the lead of other police commissioners by attending the event, said paint bombs had been thrown at officers.

“You don’t make those when you’re standing in the street at the time. You come premeditated when you do that,” he said.

“They may call themselves protesters, but it was an ugly rabble group who came there obviously, with intent to confront and if not to attack police to threaten them.’’

One banner held by the protesters stated that “queers” hated police and Serco, which has run prison and immigration facilities in Australia.

A group of protesters clash with police who were marching in the Midsumma Pride Parade. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

The banner read: “No pride in prisons Vicpol and Serco queers hate you.’’

One person wore a pig mask with fake blood splashed on their body.

A man, 34, was charged with allegedly assaulting someone who the Herald Sun reported had attempted to help officers.

Police will further examine video to determine whether more charges will be laid.

Police will draw on the evidence from body cameras, although Mr Patton conceded some of the footage could be confronting.

“Police were trying to push them away, an unfortunately there’ll be footage that shows that occurring. And it looks very confrontational. And that shouldn’t be the case,” the ABC reported.