Man charged with assault of police officer during 'volatile' anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne

A man has been charged with multiple offences after allegedly assaulting a police officer during coronavirus anti-lockdown protests in Melbourne.

The 48-year-old man from Southbank is accused of kicking the officer while he was on the ground during the rally on Thursday night in the CBD.

The man has been charged with assaulting a police officer causing injury, affray, riotous behaviour and breaching the Chief Health Officer's directions.

LIVE UPDATES: Top doctor rejects tougher restrictions for hotspot suburbs

He is due to face Melbourne Magistrates' Court today.

On Friday, North West Metro Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius described the man's alleged actions as a "dog act".

The protests had taken place hours after Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced the state's sixth lockdown.

READ MORE: Victoria records 11 new COVID-19 cases as first drive-through vaccination hub opens

A 24-year-old Footscray woman was interviewed by police in relation to discharging a missile, riotous behaviour and breaching the Chief Health Officer's directions.

She was released and is expected to be charged at a later date.

Another man has also been identified by police in relation to an investigation into the release of a flare at the protest.

On Friday, Mr Cornelius said police used capsicum spray on a number of those involved in the protest action.

"It was certainly volatile last night," he said.

READ MORE: Officer injured in Melbourne anti-lockdown protests as 15 arrested

Video of the rally showed hundreds of people, many of them maskless, walking through the city on Thursday night and chanting "Free Victoria", "sack Dan Andrews" and "no more lockdown".

Police launched an appeal to help identify those taking part in the illegal gathering, which began around 7pm near Flinders Station.