Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has said yesterday’s protest was legitimate and criticised the “excessive” police response.

In a statement posted to Instagram, Moore condemned police for turning up in “intimidatingly large numbers” to use “unrestrained force”.

“The violent clashes between police and protesters last night were incredibly shocking and distressing,” Moore said.

“The scenes that unfolded across our city did not look like Sydney at all.”

She said Sydneysiders had a democratic right to protest and called for the end of heavy-handed policing of such rallies.

“We should be careful not to erode civil rights or chill genuine protest in the process,” Moore added.

“If we truly value inclusion and diversity we must ensure all our communities are permitted to gather – to reflect, to mourn, to voice opposition to violence – safely and freely.”