NSW Police have launched an independent review after Sydney sandwich-board activist Danny Lim was taken to hospital after sustaining injuries during an arrest.
Warning: This story contains a graphic image
Video footage posted on social media shows officers trying to detain the 78-year-old man about 11am on Tuesday in a shopping complex on George Street in Sydney, NSW Police said in a statement.
During the attempted arrest Mr Lim appears to be forced to the ground, falling headfirst.
NSW Police said "an independent review has been launched, which will examine the actions of police during the incident".
Lawyer Chris Murphy posted an image on Twitter of Mr Lim at St Vincent's Hospital with a black eye and bloodied cheek.
The caption read: "latest photo shows ... black eye, subdural haematoma and condition serious."
Officers were called about 11am by the shopping centre's security, and issued the protester with a move on direction but he failed to comply, NSW Police said.
"The man's arrest was discontinued after he struggled with police and sustained an injury to his cheekbone," NSW Police said.
He was wearing a sign featuring the word "cvn't," similar or identical to one that he was previously fined over, but successfully contested in court.
A magistrate in 2019 criticised police saying his arrest then was "heavy-handed and unwarranted," and that his sign should not have been considered offensive.
At the time he was arrested and fined $500 for wearing a sign that read: "Smile cvn't! Why cvn't?".
This morning Mr Lim was treated at the scene by paramedics before he was transported to hospital.
He has not been charged with any offences.
