Victorian police are investigating allegations that a car was deliberately driven at speed towards a protester taking part in an anti-racism rally in Melbourne last month. More than 150 people gathered in the outer-north suburb of Broadmeadows on 25 July for what organisers described as a “peaceful community rally”. The protester, who asked not to be identified, alleged that he heard an occupant of the car shout racial abuse before the car struck him. In a response to the complaint, seen by Guardian Australia, police confirmed they had been aware of the planned event. They declined to answer questions from Guardian Australia about why officers did not attend the protest.