Police using CCTV to identify rioters after Australian flags burned at Melbourne protest

Police officers are reviewing CCTV in the hope of identifying more of those responsible for violence at yesterday's rival anti-immigration and anti-racism protests in Melbourne, during which Australian flags were also burned. 

Masked members of a splinter anti-fascism group set the flags alight and scuffled with police and media in the latest rally between rival protest groups. Three people were arrested over the violence: two for assaulting each other in a fight and one for damaging a news photographer's camera.

Another photographer had to fight off one of the masked protesters.

However, there was no repeat of the violent clashes between the groups seen at recent protests as police kept them separate.

About two dozen people dressed in black and wearing masks still managed to interrupt an anti-Islam rally, setting flags alight and scuffling with news photographers.

READ MORE: Tougher laws to be introduced for masked 'cowards' following violent Melbourne

A man who tried to stop the flag burning said those involved were anarchists who did not represent the no racism rally.

"These masked idiots burning flags do not represent the counter protest," he said.

About 120 supporters of the True Blue Crew, who describe themselves as a pro-Australian group against the Islamisation of the country, and United Patriots Front had planned to march through the CBD.

But 200 people joined a Campaign Against Racism and Fascism counter-protest outside parliament first.

The True Blue protesters tried to head to the front of the building from their meeting place in the parliamentary gardens but the exit had been blocked off by police.

They instead marched to the Carlton Gardens and were followed by members of the splinter group.

Superintendent David Clayton said police viewed it as a successful operation as they were in the main able to keep the rival protesters apart.

"There were splinter groups who were causing spot fires," he told reporters.

No weapons were found in more than 300 searches.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews said the government will introduce public order laws applying additional penalties for wearing masks while engaged in riotous behaviour.

"If you commit a violent act and you are wearing a mask, then you will receive a significantly higher penalty because of the cowardly nature of wearing that mask," Mr Andrews said.

"You will feel the full force of the law because hardworking Victorians and their government are sick and tired of having to spend hundreds of thousands of dollars, indeed millions of dollars, to deal with this sort of riotous behaviour."

Supt Clayton said police welcomed talks with government about laws to help officers deal with people who intend to cause disruption or violent behaviour.