Land Forces Expo Investigation Update

Detectives from the Bastion Taskforce have made a series of further arrests, including people who allegedly pushed crates against police horses, assaulted police and performed the Nazi salute at the Land Forces Expo.

12 people have now been arrested since the protest on 11 September, which is in addition to the 89 people charged or fined on the day.

The most recent arrests include:

• 30-year-old Preston man was arrested on 30 October for allegedly pushing crates against police horses. He was charged with nine offences including affray, hinder/obstruct police, animal abuse and possess drugs of dependence. He was bailed to appear at court on 21 November.

• 63-year-old Crib Point man was arrested on 22 October for allegedly performing the Nazi salute in a public place on 11 September. He is expected to be charged on summons with the offence.

• 28-year-old Nunawading man arrested on 28 October. He was charged with affray and seven counts of hinder/obstruct police. He was bailed to appear at court on 21 November.

• Two people allegedly involved in an altercation with a person attending the expo. A 27-year-old Coburg woman arrested on 24 October, and a 31-year-old Hoppers Crossing man arrested on 25 October. They were both charged with affray and bailed to appear at court on 21 November.

During the protests, which occurred outside the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, it’s alleged there were rocks, projectiles, liquid which smelt strongly of vomit, horse manure, eggs and liquid irritants hurled at police officers, horses, and expo attendees.

Several police horses and riders were allegedly splashed with a liquid irritant including being sprayed under face protectors, going into their mouths and nostrils, and were repeatedly pushed and hit with plastic crates.

As part of their ongoing investigation, detectives have today released images of further people they believe can assist with their enquiries.

Police want to speak to these people in relation to a range of offences including assault police, animal cruelty, affray, discharging a missile, and obstructing police.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or file a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

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