Police are pelted with bottles and stones as Australia Day comes to a violent end in Perth

Terrifying scenes as anti-Australia Day protesters turn violent and shower police with bricks, bottles and stones – leaving two officers hospitalized

  • Rioters pelted stones, bottles and stones at police in Perth
  • Several arrests were made while two officers were injured in the brawl
  • One incident was hours earlier at the same site of ‘Invasion Day’ protest

A mob has pelted police with bottles, bricks and stones in two ugly skirmishes that led to several arrests Australia Day celebrate.

Rioters unleashed on authorities at Perth‘s central station around 10pm on Thursday evening and again on Moore Street in the east of the city after 1am on Friday morning.

The unrest followed an anti-Australia Day rally attended by more than 1,000 protesters near the CBD station.

One of the rioters brandished a tomahawk during the intense confrontation, police said.

The vision showed officers standing in the street as rioters assaulted police (pictured)

The vision showed officers standing in the street as rioters assaulted police (pictured)

Footage of the initial disturbances was posted on social media showing police running towards protesters in protective gear before they retreat (pictured)

Footage of the initial disturbances was posted on social media showing police running towards protesters in protective gear before they retreat (pictured)

Authorities at the initial disturbance faced a mob of 150 who beat officers with stones and bottles.

Police reportedly tried to disperse two large groups that were fighting.

Footage was posted on social media showing officers running toward protesters in protective gear before retreating.

The vision also showed police standing in the street as rioters shouted abuse.

Video made by 7News crews showed police wearing helmets and riot gear as officers tried to control the crowd.

There were no injuries, but several arrests were made.

Protesters later threw stones and broken paving stones at police on Moore Street, east Perth near McIver railway station at 1:20 am the next day.

Authorities tried to disperse the crowd when the rioters fired the projectiles at the police.

Two officers were sent to hospital after being injured in the second brawl, one with a shoulder injury and the other with a head injury (pictured, officers trying to disperse the crowd during the riot)

Two officers were sent to hospital after being injured in the second brawl, one with a shoulder injury and the other with a head injury (pictured, officers trying to disperse the crowd during the riot)

Two officers were sent to hospital after being injured in the brawl, one with a shoulder injury and the other with a head wound.

WA Police Senior Sergeant Adrian Fuller told ABC the safety of the public and the police were endangered.

“The police got extra resources and tactically formed some lines to separate the individuals and make some arrests,” said senior sergeant Fuller.

“Those people have been transferred to Perth Watch House to face charges.”

The riots came after a protest against Australia Day celebrations had previously taken place in Forrest Place, the same location as the first riot.

Authorities tried to disperse the crowd as the rioters fired the projectiles at officers, police said (pictured, rioters at the scene)

Authorities tried to disperse the crowd as the rioters fired the projectiles at officers, police said (pictured, rioters at the scene)

Speakers called out authorities on social justice issues and talked about deaths in custody at the event.

The protest included traditional dance, a smoking ceremony and live music.

The Regional Operations Group (ROG), which assists police in public order incidents, reinforced police at both locations.

An ‘Out of Control Gathering’ was declared in the areas of the two incidents.

Investigations are underway.

Meanwhile, 100,000 people gathered to celebrate Australia Day in Perth’s Swan River in the CBD at 8:30pm. Now Perth reported.

The audience enjoyed fireworks, drones and music that night.