Violent clashes as lockdown protesters pushed into the suburbs
Hundreds of people have gathered to protest lockdowns in Melbourne despite a massive police presence in the city.
Police created a ring of steel to contain the planned protest that was slated for Melbourne's CBD on Saturday.
Checkpoints and heavy police presence successfully pushed the rally out of the CBD, with protestors moving the location to Richmond.
Victoria Police have "all contingencies" on hand to deal with the protest that was expected to turn violent, the state's Health Minister Martin Foley said.
Extra police were stationed in the city to fine and arrest people trying to take part in the rallies, with public transport to the CBD stopped between 8:00am and 2:00pm.
Police have being pepper spraying #freedomrally marchers @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/wGn7wJ9ovM
— Olivia Jenkins (@byoliviajenkins) September 18, 2021
Videos posted online show a wall of police facing off with protesters and using pepper spray on angry attendees who could be seen screaming at officers.
Projectiles were also thrown at police, with one officer filmed being hit in the face from close range.
Arrests were also filmed as scuffles broke out.
Protesters break through the police line, an officer gets assaulted and trampled by demonstrators, people are screaming and covered in capsicum spray @theage pic.twitter.com/qXX9lIAZRJ
— David Estcourt (@davidestcourt) September 18, 2021
In one video shared to Twitter, protestors are seen yelling at police as well as throwing items at them, chanting “no more lockdown”.
Other chants heard include “sack Dan Andrews” and “we will not comply."
In another, protestors are seen carrying umbrellas and forcibly break through a line of officers to violently stampede onto the street, clashing with police as capsicum foam is deployed to try and stop them.
Violence unfolding at #freedomrally @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/cua6ji4RjQ
— Olivia Jenkins (@byoliviajenkins) September 18, 2021
Many protestors are carrying signs with anti-police and freedom-related messages, as well as the Australian flag.
In another Tweet from the protest, a police car is seen with a broken side mirror.
In some clips shared on social media, violent altercations between protestors and police were filmed with some people being tackled to the ground.
Police gradually winnowing the remaining dozen or so protesters down, driving them down side streets, arresting a few. @theage pic.twitter.com/fCupNjjt75
— David Estcourt (@davidestcourt) September 18, 2021
Public transport to CBD shutdown
Victoria's Department of Transport said only essential workers or people attending vaccination appointments were allowed into the city.
Police requested the partial public transport shutdown after 4000 people attended a violent anti-lockdown protest on August 21.
More than 2000 police officers have been deployed to shut down the anti-lockdown protest, in addition to road checkpoints, barricades and roving patrols.
Protestors risked a $5,500 fine if they attended the rally. for breaching public health orders.
Face-off with police, flares, arrests happening. pic.twitter.com/P5ESsHQQcw
— Elise Thomas (@elisethoma5) September 18, 2021
Victoria recorded 535 Covid-19 cases
Victoria recorded 535 new local cases on Saturday – the highest record during its latest Delta outbreak.
Of the 535 local cases, only 62 have been linked to known cases and outbreaks.
A police car has lost a passenger mirror @theage pic.twitter.com/SIUMzHZLFO
— David Estcourt (@davidestcourt) September 18, 2021
The protests come as restrictions relaxed for Melbourne residents on Saturday after reaching 70 per cent first dose coverage across Victoria's eligible population.
Victoria sees record Delta spike as 'ring of steel' surrounds Melbourne
Covid NSW: Daily cases remain high as six more deaths recorded
Among the changes, people will be able to meet one person from another household for a walk or picnic, outdoor exercise time is doubled and the travel limit expanded to 10km.
with AAP
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