Cops seek help after queer parade attack

Victoria Police are looking for four people as part of an investigation into the alleged assault of officers with pink paint bombs and projectiles at a queer festival march in February.

Police released images of four people on Monday who they say could assist with inquiries.

Two men in their 20s had previously been arrested over the incident but released without charge.

In a statement, Victoria Police said officers participating in the Midsumma Festival event in St Kilda on February 3 were surrounded by about 50 protesters “with several items thrown at officers”.

“Many of the people marching for Victoria Police are proudly part of the LGBTIQA+ community,” the statement reads.

On April 24, detectives carried out a search warrant at a unit in Brunswick East, arresting two men, aged 28 and 29.

Both men were interviewed and released “pending further inquiries”.

Police say the people pictured in the images can assist with inquiries.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said at the time the clashes between police and protesters were confrontational and disappointing.

“We were just disappointed that this group ... came there premeditated, confronted police, threw paint bombs, threw missiles, abused us but disrupted what should have been about pride, about inclusion, about diversity,” he said.

One hundred police officers were participating in the march, some with their children, the Chief Commissioner said.

Between 40 to 50 protesters encircled the front of the officers’ procession as they marched, got “into our personal space” and levelled abuse at the officers, the Chief Commissioner said.

One person was arrested at the scene and charged with assaulting a spectator who tired to help police, the Chief Commissioner said at the time.

That person is not in the pictures police released on Monday.

Midsumma in a queer arts and cultural organisation. It’s major event is the three-week Midsumma Festival run across January and February.

Midsumma Festival chief executive, Karen Bryant, told media at the time: “We are highly disappointed by the disruption of the march and the escalation of events from both sides”.

Victorian Equality Minister Harriet Shing said the history of pride marches was “rooted in protest against discrimination and violence” which “should be remembered”, but Victorians should also celebrate “change and progress”.

LGBTIQA+ members of Victoria Police who showed up to be “openly themselves” at the march deserved respect, the Minister said at the time.