Tear gas and rubbet bullets: Melbourne police and protesters clash as dozens arrested near weapons expo

Two dozen police have received medical treatment after being pelted with rocks, manure and acid by anti-war protesters, while activists say officers used tear gas and rubber bullets against them.

About 1200 protesters tried to block the entrance of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday morning to protest against the Land Forces weapons expo.

Thirty-three people were arrested as protesters and police moved across to the Spencer St bridge with wheelie bins set on fire and thrown towards a barricade of officers.

Trams were disrupted and major city roads closed as the commotion peaked with loud bangs ringing out across Melbourne’s CBD when police pelted hundreds of protesters with tear gas and pepper spray.

Activists had earlier thrown eggs and water and yelled “war pigs” or “get a real job” at the expo’s attendees as they walked along Yarra Promenade to enter the event.

“Shame on you, how does it feel to murder babies,” one group of protesters yelled in unison.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said they were “appalled at the behaviour of some of the protesters”.

“Police have been pelted with missiles including bottles filled with liquid, rocks and horse manure whilst trying to protect the attendees of the Land Forces expo, some of whom were also assaulted by protesters,” the spokesperson said.

“Whilst we respect the right for individuals to protest lawfully, we will not tolerate the behaviour of those who break the law.”

Police were also spat at by protesters, while others were sprayed with liquids, including acid, the spokesperson said.

Twenty-four police officers required medical treatment.

But rally organisers said they were met with a similar level of violence to police.

“Police have attacked us with blows, kicks, boots on our throats, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets,” spokeswoman Caroline Da Silva said.

“We are expressing community anger in the only way that is available to us - on the streets.”

Police officers on horseback attempt to disperse protesters today in Melbourne, Australia. Photo / Getty Images

Greens leader Ellen Sandell said she had written to the anti-corruption body calling for an independent inquiry into police tactics and “excessive use of force” at the protest.

MP Gabrielle De Vietri, also from the Greens, attended the protest despite criticism from the premier and Opposition leader.

Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan said the protest was “potentially dangerous and dynamic”.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said police “should be respected at all times”.

“People have a right to protest peacefully, but you don’t say you’re opposed to defence equipment by throwing things at police,” he told Sunrise.

Disrupt Land Forces spokeswoman Jasmine Duff said the protest was triggered by the Government’s stance on the conflict in the Middle East.

“Many of the weapons inside the convention centre are advertised as battle-tested,’’ he said.

“In the context of Israeli weapons firms, which are present, this means tested through killing civilians in Gaza.”

Victoria Police expected the protest to be its biggest operation in more than two decades, with the cost between A$10 million and A$15m.

Police Minister Anthony Carbines thanked officers for their support as he issued a warning to protesters.

“There’s nothing but disrespect being shown from some protesters who want to behave like idiots and police will deal with you,” he said.

The Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition, which will host senior international military, defence, government, scientific and industry delegations from around the world, goes until Friday.