Two police officers were assaulted in Fremantle, leaving one with a cut to her head that required hospitalisation, and more than two dozen people were arrested as thousands converged on the port city on Saturday to watch the Dockers clash with the Lions for the AFL grand final.
Several violent incidents marred an otherwise peaceful day, as disappointed Fremantle supporters had their hopes of a maiden premiership dashed in the dying minutes of the game.
Vision posted to social media showed two WA Police officers contenting with an angry crowd as they attempted to arrest a man on Essex Street, just off Fremantle’s main strip.
One woman can allegedly be seen hitting the officers, while at one point another man rushed in and bowled them over as they had the man they were trying to arrest on the ground.
A WA Police spokesperson said the 25-year-old man was being arrested about 1.50pm when the officers were assaulted by a group of people.
“The female police officer received a laceration to her head while the male police officer received an injury to his knee,” they said.
“Both officers were conveyed to hospital for treatment.
“Additional police resources were deployed as crowds dispersed and high patronage continued throughout the evening.”
The 25-year-old man, from Seville Grove, was later charged with assaulting a public officer, disorderly conduct, and obstructing a public officer.
A 51-year-old woman and 20-year-old man, both from Seville Grove, and a 24-year-old Armadale woman were also charged with the same offences.
All were due to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on Sunday.
A 52-year-old Seville Grove man and 26-year-old Hilbert woman were also charged by summons over the incident and are due to face court at a later date.
In total, 26 people were arrested in Fremantle on Saturday, and police laid a total of 45 charges.
Officers also handed out four summonses, four Criminal Code infringement notices, and 43 move-on notices.
“WA Police thank the thousands of patrons who enjoyed the event safely and responsibly and remind the community that violence and antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated,” the police spokesperson said.
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