The massive protests and counter protests around Australia have ended with a handful of arrests after thousands of people rallied in Sydney and Melbourne.

Police in both cities were deployed in major operations to prevent violence between opposing groups.

In Melbourne, four separate rallies were held including “Rally against racism”, “Sovereignty never ceded”, “Save Australia” and “Australia unites against government corruption”.

Victoria Police reported a 29-year-old man was arrested for criminal damage following an alleged graffiti incident.

About 2,500 people from multiple protest groups gathered in the CBD, prompting police to intervene several times to keep rival groups apart.

Officers were armed with expanded powers to search for weapons and direct the removal of face coverings,

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