AUSTRALIAN police launched a brutal crackdown today on thousands of anti-war protesters outside a weapons convention in Melbourne.

About 1,800 police were deployed and used pepper spray, flash distraction devices and rubber bullets on protesters outside the huge biennial Land Forces International Land Defence Exposition.

At least 39 people were arrested for offences such as assault, arson and obstruction after exchanges during which the police accused the protesters of hurling bottles, rocks and horse manure. 

Police also said that its officers were sprayed with liquid irritants. They said at least 24 officers required medical treatment.

“Victoria Police is appalled at the behaviour of some of the protesters,” the statement said, referring to the Victoria state force.

Protesters were also accused of throwing rocks, horse manure and tomatoes at police horses and officers with shields and wearing riot gear. 

A police officer on horseback struck a protester with a riding crop and a line of police were seen forcing protesters away from the convention centre.

But Students for Palestine national co-convener Jasmine Duff blamed police for the violence during the protest.

“They used serious weapons on peace activists that should be banned for use on demonstrators, including pepper spray, which is classified as a chemical weapon,” Ms Duff said in a statement.

“They hit us with batons, including hitting one man so hard he had to go to hospital and they shot us with rubber bullets,” she said.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called on protesters to show respect for police.

“People have a right to protest peacefully, but you don’t say you’re opposed to defence equipment by throwing things at police,” Mr Albanese told Seven Network television. 

“They’ve got a job to do and our police officers should be respected at all times.”

Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said that it was the state police force’s biggest planned deployment since Melbourne hosted the World Economic Forum in 2000 and backed his officers’ use of force. He accused the protesters of planning for conflict.

“They come here to protest. They are anti-war so presumably anti-violence,” Chief Patton told reporters. 

He said: “The only way I can describe them is a bunch of hypocrites.”

The organiser of the convention, AMDA Foundation, said it would not comment on protester activity.

The gathering brings together leading arms industry figures from Australia, the United States, Asia and Europe. In 2022, the convention was held in the city of Brisbane.