Police use capsicum spray to break up violent brawl in Melbourne

Police have used capsicum spray to break up a violent brawl involving dozens of people in Melbourne's CBD.

Footage shows the moment the fight broke out, just after 2am on Monday on Lonsdale Street.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said people left the scene after police arrived, however a number of women kept fighting.

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"Officers attempted to offer after-care to those exposed to the spray but no one came forward," the spokesperson said.

After the brawl, police stopped a vehicle leaving the scene of the fight.

A 21-year-old man was arrested and charged with affray and weapons offences after police allegedly located a knife on him.

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Coward punch campaigner Caterina Politi, whose son died on a night out, warned it could have been a very different end, after seeing the vision.

"They are young kids and it is a night out that is harmless until it becomes a serious assault or death," she said.

Police said the investigation is ongoing.