Some protesters pelted police with horse faeces, rocks, eggs, beer bottles, tomatoes and a liquid later detected to contain a mild acid.
After the protest, Victoria Police defended its use of force, which included foam bullets, stun grenades, tear gas and pepper spray, to control the crowd.
Disrupt Land Forces – a conglomerate protest group leading the action – said at the time “butyric acid, a food additive made from dairy products, was also deployed”.
“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,” the police spokeswoman said on Thursday.
“Police want to speak to these people in relation to a range of offences including assault police, animal cruelty, affray, discharging a missile and obstructing police.”
Another of the people at the protest who detectives still want to speak to.Credit: Victoria Police.
The police union described scenes at the demonstration as “some of the most violent” protests officers had seen in decades.
Disrupt Land Forces is calling for an end to weapons sales to Israel and an arms embargo.
After the protest, the group said: “[Police] have attacked us with blows, kicks and boots on our throats, tear gas, pepper spray and rubber bullets.”
Police urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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