Detectives from Bastion Taskforce have today released images of nine people they hope to identify after several assaults and criminal damage incidents occurred at a protest outside the Land Forces Expo in Melbourne last month.
The new investigative team has been established after a number of attendees, police officers and horses were assaulted during the 11 September protest.
During the protests, which occurred outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, there was rocks, projectiles, liquid which smelt strongly of vomit, horse manure, eggs and liquid irritants hurled at police officers, horses and expo attendees.
A Mounted Branch officer had a full can of drink thrown directly at her head.
Several police horses and riders were 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 exposed to the various substances sprayed.
All 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.
Police are also hoping to identify another man after a council bin was set alight on Spencer Street.
An image of a man, wearing a blue T-shirt, has been released in the hope he can assist with the investigation.
A total of 89 people were charged or issued with fines for a range of offences including hinder and obstruct police, behave in a riotous manner, assault police, weapon offences and arson.
Further arrests are expected.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
