Manhunt after protester attacks police officer twice

A manhunt is underway for a freedom protester who attacked a police officer during a rally in Melbourne on Saturday.

Police were performing traffic management duties when a dispute broke out between a motorist and a protester at about 1.30pm on Saturday.

When police intervened, the protester lashed out, assaulting a police officer.

Police sprayed the protester with OC spray, and he went back to into the crowd.

A short time later the protester assaulted the same police officer a second time.

The officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries in the attacks.

Police have released images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the assault or recognises the man pictured is urged to come forward to police.

Press PLAY below for more details from police