Detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad are today releasing images and footage of eight people they are seeking to identify after police were allegedly assaulted at a protest in Melbourne last month.
It comes following the arrest of a Corio man last week who was charged with a raft of offences after allegedly throwing a rock at a First Constable at the protest on Saturday 19 October.
The man, aged 24-years-old, was charged with reckless conduct endangering person, assault police, discharge missile, behave in a disorderly manner and fail to answer bail.
He was directly presented to Melbourne Magistrates' Court where he was bailed to appear on 20 November.
Detectives from North West Metro Regional Crime Squad have been investigating the rally, where it's alleged a counter protest group attended and hurled rocks, glass bottles and rotten fruit at police.
Two police officers were injured and had to be transported to hospital on the day.
A female Sergeant aged in her early 40s from Boroondara received a serious hand injury and a male Senior Constable aged in his 30s from Corio received a serious laceration to his leg which required stitches.
Both officers have been recovering well and have since returned to work. The female Sergeant will require ongoing rehabilitation to strengthen and regain movement in her hand, which impacts her operational capacity at work and her everyday life.
Other officers were allegedly struck by projectiles with such force that their protective shields were cracked.
A wand used by police to detect weapons was also stolen on the day.
Images have been released of eight people who were seen near Spring Street and Exhibition Street on 19 October.
As majority are pictured with masks and hoods on, police have also released moving drone vision in the hope someone might recognise their gait or clothing.
Anyone with information about the people depicted in the images released is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at crimestoppersvic.com.au.
Quotes attributable to Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations, Bob Hill:
"The behaviour we witnessed at this protest by a group of counter protestors was nothing short of deplorable.
"While people have a right to protest peacefully, they do not have a right to unleash violence.
"Officers are drawn from across the state to respond to these protests, and they do so while committed to keeping the peace and maintaining community safety.
"We are absolutely committed to identifying the alleged offenders and presenting them before the courts."
Quotes attributable to North West Metro Regional Crime Squad, Detective Inspector Geoff Owen:
"There is absolutely no place for such antagonistic and volatile behaviour towards police.
"Detectives from our North West Metro Regional Crime Squad will thoroughly investigate this activity, having already laid charges on one person as a result.
"If you recognise any of the individuals pictured, we urge you to come forward and speak with police."
