The protesters were pushed back as police dogs and capsicum spray were deployed.

Fairfax Media saw a number of arrests and seriously injured protesters. One protester being taken away by ambulance spat at officers and chanted "Allahu Akbar".

Speakers addressing the angry crowd called for calm.

Police arrest protesters in Sydney today.Photo: Ilya Gridneff

"We are going to pray," a speaker said. "The other important thing is our brothers want our arrested brothers out. There is not going to be any more violence.

"Our anger and emotion is purely for Allah and his message," he said.

Abdullah Sary, a speaker at the protest, said the protesters came in peace and were disappointed police used tear gas and the dog squad.

"The anger comes from the fact if you attack the prophet you are attacking our way of life," he told Fairfax Media.

"This was a non-violent protest but people don't like seeing their brothers attacks by dogs and ending up in hospital."

A speaker said to the protesters: "The person who made this video must be held responsible." He received a loud cheer amid chants of "Allahu Akbar".

Late in the afternoon a lone man from outside the group shouted: "Shame on you for promoting murder in the name of religion."

The crowd swarmed at him attacking him and sparking a second wave of violent clashes with police.

Police rushed to the man's aide and dragged him out of the park under a rain of waterbottles, sticks and abuse.

More to come

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TAGS: Religion, Protest, Australia

Police in Sydney, Australia, fired tear gas at protesters staging a demonstration against the anti-Islam film that has sparked mass public outrage across the Arab world.

Hundreds of demonstrators threw projectiles at officers outside the US consulate in Sydney, shouting "Down, down USA,” AFP reported.

Protesters waved banners calling for the beheading of those who insulted the Prophet Mohammed, news outlet the Australian reported.

image from twitter by user @jttozer

image from twitter by user @SamNaz116

Police pushed the protesters back, and the crowd later marched to nearby Hyde Park.­

One protester was reportedly hospitalized with a head injury, and is in stable condition.

Seven ambulances arrived at the demonstration as tensions increased.

Sydney's security forces were prepared for the rally, authorities said, which continued throughout the evening.

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image from twitter by user @SamNaz116

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