Melbourne Land Forces exposition: Anti-war protest clash with police at Exhibition Centre entrances

Thousands of anti-war protesters are one police line away from breaching the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre as scenes increasingly turn violent.

Police are conducting their biggest operation in more than 20 years, with officers from Victoria and NSW Police attempting to gain control of the streets of Melbourne.

Protesters planned to block the opening of the Land Forces exposition at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Wednesday morning, with more than 25,000 activists expected to disrupt the city centre.

On Wednesday morning, hundreds of protesters were seen attempting to block multiple entrances to the building.

Police attempted to block off Clarendon St in an effort to keep the protesters away from the main entrance of the Exhibition Centre.

People wearing masks and holding ‘Free Palestine’ flags, along with some wearing no disguise at all, rushed to the rear entrance of the building near DFO.

As police attempted to push protesters away from the rear entrance of the building a battle broke out.

Bricks, rocks and other projectiles were thrown at mounted police and their horses.

Faeces has been thrown at officers, coating their helmets and protective clothing.

As police pushed protesters away, violence escalated so much that mounted police needed to retreat for the safety of the animals.

Protesters are now occupying a major intersection causing traffic chaos, and shutting down the southwest corner of Melbourne’s CBD.

Protesters have been seen shoving reporters at the site, hitting cameras, attempting to steal microphones and screaming profanities during live news crosses.

Police are now attempting to create a ring of steel around protesters, surrounding them in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

It is understood the police operation includes mounted police brought in from NSW as Victoria Police manage the operation.

The state’s treasurer has warned anyone who does not need to be in the area to stay away.

“If you have no business being there, if you’re not there protesting, I wouldn’t encourage anybody to be there,” Tim Pallas said on Tuesday.

Yarra Trams has warned commuters of disruptions to several city-bound services, including the routes 96 and 109.

Mr Pallas said police had asked the state government for additional funds to cover the event, estimated to cost $10-15 million.

Victoria Police expects it to be their biggest operation since chaos surrounding the World Economic Forum in 2000, with hundreds of regional officers travelling to Melbourne for the event, along with general duties officers and specialist police.

These include the Public Order Response Team, Highway Patrol and Mounted Branch.

A police spokesperson said major efforts were underway to ensure the “highest level of safety and security” at the event.

Disrupt Land Forces spokeswoman Jasmine Duff said the protest was triggered by the government’s stance on the conflict in the Middle East.

“We’re protesting to stand up for all those who have been killed by the type of weapons on display at the convention,” she said.

“Many of the weapons inside the convention centre are advertised as battle-tested. In the context of Israeli weapons firms, which are present, this means tested through killing civilians in Gaza.”

The Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition runs from Wednesday to Friday.

More to come... - With AAP