Police operation to check visas on the street in Melbourne cancelled

A controversial police operation to spot check visas in the streets of Melbourne this weekend has been cancelled after it sparked community outrage.

Victoria Police cancelled Operation Fortitude half an hour after a planned press conference on the issue was cancelled, citing safety issues.

Protesters flooded the steps of Flinders Street station, where the press conference was to be held at 2pm.

"We understand there has been a high level of community interest and concern which has been taken into consideration when making this decision," the statement said.

"Victoria Police's priority is the safety and wellbeing of the whole community and we will continue to work with our partner agencies to achieve this."