Footage emerges of police punching man who allegedly assaulted officer during violent arrest

A man has been charged after a police officer was allegedly assaulted in Melbourne's north yesterday.

The 37-year-old's arrest sparked controversy after footage emerged showing officers punching and kneeling on the man in Broadmeadows.

It's alleged the Gladstone Park man had been on a smashing spree across the city yesterday, punching multiple poker machines in Airport West and smashing a rock into another gaming machine at a venue in Gladstone Park.

READ MORE: First person charged over Nazi salute laws found guilty

Just before midday, he travelled to Broadmeadows Police Station, where he allegedly threw a rock at a marked police vehicle parked outside, smashing its windscreen.

The man ran down the road to Broadmeadows Square, where police caught up with him.

It's there he allegedly punched an officer in the face and heavily resisted arrest before they used capsicum spray to detain him.

Video footage shows a police officer repeatedly punching the man as two others pinned him down and held his hands behind his back.

He was arrested and was interviewed by police.

The 37-year-old Gladstone Park man was charged with assault-related offences.

He was remanded to appear before Broadmeadows Magistrates' Court today.