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Charges laid after Melbourne CBD protest violence

Melbourne's CBD descended into chaos when counter-protesters clashed with police on October 19.

Melbourne's CBD descended into chaos when counter-protesters clashed with police on October 19. Photo: AAP

Two people have been charged after allegedly assaulting police during a city protest, where rocks and glass were hurled at officers.

Melbourne’s CBD descended into chaos when counter-protesters clashed with police during the anti-immigration March for Australia demonstration on October 19.

Officers were confronted by protesters hurling rocks, bottles, broken glass and rotten fruit.

Two police were taken to hospital; A female sergeant whose hand was broken and a male senior constable whose leg was gashed have since returned to work.

A 21-year-old man and 56-year-old man have since been charged with assaulting police and hindering police. The pair were bailed to appear before court in May.

Police continue to investigate and have released images of six more people they want to speak with, many wearing masks.

“The investigation has now led to a total of three people being charged, with police continuing to seek the public’s assistance to identify those involved,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

The Victorian government watered down a promise from a year ago to ban face masks at protests amid fears of a legal challenge.

Legislation introduced to state parliament will instead allow police to order masks to be removed if a protester is committing or about to commit a criminal offence.

—AAP

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