Man arrested over allegedly giving Nazi salute in Melbourne protests

A man has been arrested for allegedly giving a Nazi-style salute during heated protests in Melbourne.

The 64-year-old is accused of throwing punches at another man during an anti-immigration rally in the Victorian capital on Sunday.

Several hundred demonstrators were met by a counter demonstration from anti-racism activists in Melbourne CBD.

Police largely kept the two groups apart, but some of the protesters did face off outside the city’s town hall.

Footage shows the man in a One Nation hat arguing with counter demonstrators when one calls him a “Nazi”.

The man retaliated by allegedly performing the salute.

Another counter-protester then tips his hat off and he retaliated by allegedly throwing punches. Police then move in and detain him quickly.

Police said a 64-year-old Wantirna man was arrested and released pending summons.

“It’s alleged the Wantirna man assaulted another man at the intersection of Collins and Swanston streets about 1.25pm,” police said in a statement.

“There were no reports of injuries.

“The man is alleged to have earlier performed a Nazi salute.”

Earlier on Sunday, One Nation Victorian leader Warren Pickering addressed the anti-immigration rally.

He was nowhere near the alleged town hall incident at the time.