A man and a woman were arrested after violence erupted outside Parliament House in Spring Street when women’s rights protesters clashed with transgender rights activists.

Police used pepper spray to control the crowd as punches were thrown between the opposing rallies.

It’s understood the initial protest was organised by Women’s Voices Australia in protest of the Allan government’s plans to overhaul anti-vilification laws to include the LGBTIQA+ community.

Trans-rights activists then staged a counter-protest.

More than 400 people gathered to protest yesterday and police initially formed a wall to separate the warring groups.

Missiles were thrown at police during the clash and four officers were treated for non- life threatening injuries, police said.

A 37-year-old woman was arrested for unlawful assault and wilful damage.

A 41-year-old man was arrested for indictable assault on police.

Both were released with intent to summons.

Some 40 protesters moved wooden pallets to block intersections and disrupt traffic and swarmed local retailers.

Police said 38 searches were conducted to remove prohibited face coverings and to search for weapons, however no weapons were found.

“Victoria Police respects the right for people to protest peacefully however we have zero tolerance for those who threaten the safety of the community and police,” a police spokesperson said.

“Victoria Police also had to purchase water filled barriers to keep the groups separate and prevent further violence from escalating.

“Police will now review CCTV vision from the rally and will investigate any further offences detected.”

Victoria Police said yesterday it had expanded its presence in the CBD in anticipation of the protests.

“Under the Control of Weapons Act, we have declared the area surrounding Parliament House a designated area for weapon searches,” a Victoria Police spokesperson said.

“This will provide officers with powers to search people for weapons in the area on the day, as well as allowing police to identify people more easily by requesting they remove any face coverings.”