MP's daughter hospitalised in Melbourne attack 'linked to pandemic protests'

The daughter of a Victorian MP whose family and staff have suffered vile threats for supporting the state’s pandemic laws has been attacked.

Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick said in a statement on Friday his daughter Kielan had to be hospitalised after a man assaulted her in the street.

“She will be OK – but it will take time,” he said.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Ms Meddick claims a man chased her down the street for being “political”.

As she “called for help” he threw a spray can at her leaving a 3cm gash in her head.

“I started bleeding a lot as I kept running until I made it to The 86,” she said.

The 86 is a bar in Fitzroy. Ms Meddick said bar staff treated her wounds before she went to hospital.

She's since returned home with stitches.

Victoria Police confirmed it is investigating the assault of a woman on Smith Street, Fitzroy, on Thursday about 11pm.

"The pair had an argument before the woman threw the spray can towards the man as she attempted to leave the scene," police said.

"The man followed the woman and threw the spray can which struck her in the back of the head.

"The man left the scene as staff from a nearby venue rendered assistance to the woman before she attended hospital for treatment to minor injuries."

MP was 'desperately worried' following threats

Mr Meddick said he has been “desperately worried” about comments and threats made towards his family, staff and colleagues.

"I have reason to believe that this could be linked to my role as an MP and the positions I have taken on the pandemic response," Mr Meddick said.

He said the ongoing intimidation and incitement can have "very real and absolutely devastating consequences".

Prime Minister Scott Morrison took to Twitter to condemn the attack.

“This is not on. It has no place in Australia. I join with all Australians in unequivocally condemning these actions,” the PM tweeted.

“This is not just an attack on an innocent person but an attack on our very democracy. My thoughts — and those of all Australians — are with you Andy & your family.”

Mr Meddick’s staff earlier this month received a “sick” letter containing a purportedly used condom telling the recipient: "enjoy some of my fresh herpes".

Mr Meddick's chief of staff Georgie Purcell shared a photo of the letter on Twitter.

"My boss puts on a brave face, but I’ll say it: we’re struggling. Everyone has the right to voice opinions to pollies. But not like this."

The letter also targeted both of Mr Meddick’s transgender children calling them “f***** in the head”.

Mr Meddick has shown support for the Public Health and Wellbeing Amendment (Pandemic Management) Bill. The bill, which gives the premier and health minister the power to declare a pandemic and issue health orders, has become a lightning rod for anti-lockdown and anti-vaccination groups.

It's been reported figures associated with the neo-Nazi movement have joined the protests on the steps of parliament.

• Peter Dutton defends Scott Morrison's 'Trump-like' comments: 'Perfectly sensible'

• Scott Morrison takes swipe at states' vaccine mandates: 'Step back'

• Victoria to scrap almost all Covid restrictions as it nears 90% target

On Monday evening a crowd staged a mock execution of Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews using wooden gallows, while another demonstrator attended an earlier protest with three nooses, in an apparent reference to crossbenchers who have supported the bill.

Mr Andrews said the mob would not sway him.

"It is so unfair for a small, ugly mob to be taking attention away from the more than 90 per cent of Victorians who have had a first dose and will soon have had a second dose. That's where our focus should be today,” he said on Wednesday.

Without the legislation, the government will not be able to impose many of its Covid-19 restrictions after the state of emergency expires on December 15.

Mr Meddick said police are investigating the attack and asked people to respect his family's privacy.

with AAP

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.