Mask ban flagged in Victoria after violent rally

Police have labelled those who hid their identities during violent race riots in Melbourne as cowards, and said they would track them down.

Police hold anti-immigration and anti-racism protesters apart as the two groups clash in Coburg in Melbourne, Saturday, May 28, 2016.

Victoria Police has announced a taskforce to investigate protestors involved in yesterday's rallies in the Melbourne suburb of Coburg.

Supporters of anti-immigration group, "True Blue Crew," and right wing "United Patriots Front" squared off against anti-fascist protesters.

Some used flagpoles as weapons during violent brawls, after mounted and riot police officers failed to keep the two groups apart.

Seven people were arrested.

"Peaceful protest should be what it is about, but as soon as people engage in violent behaviour, both the government and Victoria Police will not tolerate it."

Five were charged with riotous behaviour and another two with weapons offences.

Victoria Police Commander Sharon Cowden said a team of police investigators would look through security vision to identify violent perpetrators on both sides.

"We will be looking at the footage, finding out what else we can do," Commander Cowden said.

Possible ban

The Victorian government said it would give police extra powers if necessary, including a possible ban on face masks at such events.

Acting Victorian Premier James Merlino said wearing masks and engaging in violence was unacceptable.

"Peaceful protest should be what it is about, but as soon as people engage in violent behaviour, both the government and Victoria Police will not tolerate it," Mr Merlino said.

Shadow attorney-general John Pesutto said move-on laws scrapped by the Andrews Labor Government in 2015 needed to be brought back to give police more powers.

Under the laws, police and the courts could identify repeat, violent offenders and ban them from going to areas or engaging in protests, Mr Pesutto said.

"How many more violent protests are we going to have to endure?" he said.

Anti-immigration protesters clash with police in Coburg in Melbourne Source: AAP

Harm to business

The violence began after rival groups hijacked a local Moreland council-organised anti-racism event.

But rally organiser Sue Bolton said the original "Moreland Says No to Racism Rally" was a success.

"Our rally actually went off very peacefully and very successfully," Ms Bolton told SBS.

"We had four to five hundred people present and we maintained our focus on the demonisation of refugees and Muslims.”

Local traders spent thousands on security to protect their businesses and many stayed shut, including the local swimming pool.

Many of those who stayed open said they lost business at the busiest time of the week.

Azmi Bas, from Chorba Cafe in the Coburg Mall, estimated he lost up to $1500 in trade.

"There was no one," Mr Bas told SBS.

"We were safe, but there was no business.”

Christina Kassiris, from Illion Cakes, agreed.

"We were quite quiet during the day," she said.

"It was disruptive."

- With AAP