The anti-vaccine mandate protest at Parliament turned ugly on Wednesday afternoon as parts of the crowd skirmished with police, with some taken into custody.

Some in the crowd crossed the picket line which separated protesters and police, resulting in a melee. Three who attempted to breach the line were arrested, Wellington district commander Superintendent Corrie Parnell said in a statement.

“This is extremely disappointing as until this occurred, the activity of most of those present has been peaceful for the majority of the day,” Parnell said.

Police would maintain a presence at Parliament overnight Wednesday and would continue to monitor activity, recognising that people had a right to peaceful protest, he said.
ROBERT KITCHIN/Stuff
Police clash with protesters on Wednesday afternoon in a melee which resulted in three arrests.
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