More than 100 arrested during Melbourne protests

Police have swooped quickly on protesters in Melbourne today, with more than 100 arrested as they were met with a massive force across the city.

Dozens of people turned up at the Shrine of Remembrance at the Kings Domain to oppose the COVID-19 vaccine mandate coming into effect for authorised workers in two weeks.

But officers were prepared, and quickly put a stop to the action.

READ MORE: Police hunt 10 men after violent Melbourne protest that left officers injured

Footage captured by 9News saw police placing hostile protesters under arrest while others were seen running away from authorities.

Tonight, police said 109 people were arrested for various offences and 108 penalty notices were issued for breach of the Chief Health Officer's orders.

They warned they would not hesitate to crack down again on any more action.

At the Domain, people were heard chanting "our body, our choice".

Unlike other protests in Melbourne in recent days, police seem to outnumber the crowds,

Those in attendance were also noted less violent overall.

Two weeks ago, the city was rocked by consecutive days of protests and hundreds swarmed on the Shrine of Remembrance.

READ MORE: Victoria to change COVID-19 isolation rules for supermarket staff

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews announced yesterday that all workers on the authorised list would need to have one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by October 15.

They will need to be fully vaccinated by November 26.

The protests come after a week of rising case numbers across Victoria, with the state recording 1488 new local COVID-19 cases in the last day and a further two deaths.