Police hunt more protesters over planned rock-throwing attack on officers

Police are hunting for seven more protesters who allegedly threw rocks and glass bottles at officers during a violent rally in Melbourne last month, bringing the total number of suspects to 15. Two police officers were taken to hospital after suffering injuries during clashes between anti-immigration protesters and counter-protesters at opposing rallies on October 19. Some officers were allegedly struck by rocks and glass bottles so hard that they cracked their protective shields. Police accused the counter-protesters of fuelling the violence, which the group disputed. On Saturday morning, police appealed for public assistance in identifying seven more protesters accused of assaulting police. Police had already released images on Thursday of eight protesters they allege intentionally brought ballast rocks – used on large-scale civil engineering projects and not found in the city – to hurl at police during the protest.