Protesters confront police during a protest over the death of George Floyd in Washington D.C., the United States, on May 31, 2020. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

 
An Australian journalist and a cameraman were violently assaulted by U.S. police during a demonstration in Washington D.C. on Tuesday (AEST), prompting Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison to call for an investigation into the incident.

The news crew were conducting a live broadcast amid a large protest near the White House. Advancing police first struck the male cameraman with a riot shield and fist, and then hit the retreating female journalist with a truncheon, video footages showed.

According to local media, Morrison contacted the Australian embassy in the U.S. capital, instructing for an investigation into the incident.

The pair who were with Australian outlet 7News said that police acted indiscriminately even though they identified themselves as members of the media.