Warning: This story contains an image that some readers may find distressing.

The 35-year-old, who ran against Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in his seat of Grayndler in the most recent federal election, was hurt during the heated protest on Friday morning.

Images show her with one swollen eye closed and blood down her face.

In a statement, the Greens said “NSW Police violently attacked and assaulted protestors at the ‘peaceful’ picket”.

NSW Greens MLC Sue Higginson told The Guardian “it was possible she [Thomas] may lose vision in that eye”.

Police said about 60 protesters were blocking access to a business on Lakemba Street – which reportedly supplies materials to make weapons – in what they described as an “unauthorised” protest.

They said a “scuffle” broke out between police and protesters and Thomas was taken to Bankstown Hospital.

While the other four charged with offences including refusing or failing to comply with a direction will appear in court next week, Thomas’ court date has been set for August.

She was issued a Future Court Attendance Notice for allegedly hindering or resisting a police officer in the execution of duty and refusing or failing to comply with a direction to disperse.