Builders strike in Melbourne's CBD

VIOLENT scenes have erupted at a building site in Melbourne's CBD this morning as striking construction workers clashed with mounted police as they advanced on their picket line.

Construction workers were seen lashing out at mounted police about 7am as officers advanced on Colonial First State's $250 million Emporium Melbourne project, which has been blockaded by striking workers since last Wednesday.

There were reports that protesters were seen punching and hitting police horses as they advanced on the picket line this morning, with officers yelling at them to stop.

The project is near the corner of Lonsdale and Elizabeth streets, the site of the former Myer store, and up to 300 construction workers and 200 police have swarmed to the area.

The protest shut down traffic in the immediate area.

Read more at Brisbane Times