A protestor has captured the moment Victoria Police used Riot officers to clear the dozens of demonstrators from Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance.
The city endured a third day of protesting from people attached to the construction industry and other fringe groups.
It started as a vocal objection to mandatory Covid-19 vaccines for tradies and has now been hijacked by people opposed to lockdown and other ideas.
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Victoria Police warned protestors they would be met with force if they attempted a third day of rallying, however that didn't stop hundreds gathering to march through the CBD.
They eventually made their way to Melbourne's Shrine of Remembrance, which is one of the most sacred sites in the state and honours the fallen Aussie soldiers who died in World War I.
They chanted 'Lest We Forget' as they climbed the steps and sat down.
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The group refused to move and a large police presence gathered at the foot of the stairs and encouraged them to leave.
Video footage shows authorities plead with individuals to head off the monument and go towards St Kilda Road, however none of them moved.
Eventually, Riot Police started dragging people one-by-one off the steps and then all hell broke out.
Rubber bullets and tear gas were fired into the crowd to forcefully disperse them and footage posted onto Reddit shows how effective the tactic was.
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According to The Australian, it's the first time police have been forced to use weaponry at the shrine since it was founded in 1934.
The person holding the camera slammed police for using rubber bullets and tear gas as there was at least one child present at the rally, however people have hit back and said that's the fault of the parent.
Police eventually ended up arresting 215 individuals from the third day of protests.
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Two police officers suffered head injuries from having bottles thrown at them. A third officer had to be taken to hospital after enduring chest pain.
Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner, Public Safety & Security Command, Ross Guenther, said officers were also pelted with golf balls, tap handles and batteries during the lengthy protest.
He said many of the people who gathered on the third day didn't appear to be tradies, compared to the previous two days of demonstrations.
Deputy Premier James Merlino has slammed the actions of protestors and said the carnage needs to stop.
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"A terrifying experience for innocent people who are on the West Gate Bridge last night. People you know who were innocently out and about and witnessing this thuggery. Journalists being assaulted. This is not who we are," Mr Merlino said.
"I'm not going to call it protests because it is not a protest. This is a mob acting criminally."
Featured Image Credit: RedditTopics: Australia