Police appeals over 'deplorable' Land Forces protests

Victoria Police have made further appeals to identify more people over a violent protest outside a controversial weapons exhibition. So far 110 people have been arrested over the Land Forces exhibition in Melbourne which prompted violent confrontations between anti-war protesters and police between September 11 and 13. During the protests rocks, other projectiles, liquid which smelt of vomit, horse manure, eggs and liquid irritants were hurled at police officers, horses and expo attendees outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, police say. Wheelie bins were set alight, horse manure, food-grade acid and glass bottles were hurled at police barricades. At the time, 89 arrests were made and police circulated photos of those they wanted to speak to after numerous officers and protesters were injured. In the last week, a 24-year-old Surrey Hill man was charged with obstructing and assaulting police and bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates' Court in January. A 30-year-old Fawkner woman will be charged on summons with assaulting police. Police released images of a further 13 people on Sunday they allege are involved in multiple incidents during the protests, including an affray on Seafarers Bridge, paint thrown over officers and throwing coffee over a member of the public. "The behaviour we saw during these protests was nothing short of deplorable," said Mark Galliott acting assistant commissioner for North West Metro. "While people have a right to protest peacefully, they do not have a right to unleash violence."