Four people have been charged after alleged assaults on police officers, horses and attendees outside the Land Forces Expo in Melbourne last month.
The arrests come as detectives from Bastion Taskforce continue to investigate the 11 September protest, with images released of a further eight people they are hoping to identify.
In addition to the 89 people charged or fined on the day, Bastion Taskforce detectives have since charged a further four, including:
• A 28-year-old Carlton North man charged with six counts of assault police and abuse animal. Detectives will allege he splashed a liquid irritant over four police officers, before spraying a Mounted Branch officer and horse with the same liquid, as well as throwing horse manure at a Mounted Branch officer.
• A 62-year-old Yarraville man charged with affray, assault police, intentionally obstruct police, discharge missile and torment/abuse animal.
• A 22-year-old Mount Waverley man charged with two counts of abuse animal, two counts of obstructing police officer and two counts of theft. In an unrelated matter, a 22-year-old woman from the same address was also arrested as part of the warrant and is expected to be charged on summons with cultivate cannabis.
• A 55-year-old Templestowe Lower man charged with four counts of obstruct police and two counts of abuse animal.
All of the above have been bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 21 November.
During the protests, which occurred outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, it’s alleged there were rocks, projectiles, liquid which smelt strongly of vomit, horse manure, eggs and liquid irritants hurled at police officers, horses and expo attendees.
Several police horses and riders were allegedly splashed with a liquid irritant including being sprayed under face protectors, going into their mouths and nostrils, and were repeatedly pushed and hit with plastic crates.
A total 27 police officers, from Victoria and interstate, required medical treatment.
Around 12 horses were allegedly exposed to the various substances sprayed.
All horses were assessed by trained staff immediately after the rally and cleared to return to work on veterinary advice.
As part of their ongoing assault and animal cruelty investigation, detectives have today released images of eight men and women in the hope they can assist with their enquiries.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
