Two arrested as mob sets upon protesters outside Mark Latham event in Sydney

Footage posted by the group on Facebook appeared to show a large, mostly male crowd confronting the rights activists and throwing punches as police officers attempt to hold back the group.

One of the organisers of the LGBTI protest, who requested anonymity due to fears for their safety, said they had intended to simply hold signs on the street opposite the church, make their point, and then leave.

Police reinforcements gained control of the incident, police said.

The protester said police were overwhelmed and struggled to maintain any sort of line between the two groups.

A 34-year-old man was charged with encouraging the commission of crimes and bailed until 11 April. A 41-year-old man was arrested and charged with common assault and ordered to appear at Bankstown local court on 30 May.