An antisemitic sign was displayed on the steps of Victorian parliament on Friday night, sparking a police investigation.

Victoria Police said officers were called to reports about 20 protesters were displaying a large banner near Parliament House about 6.55pm.

“Police are investigating after an antisemitic sign was displayed during a protest in the Melbourne CBD on Friday, 20 December,” the force said in the statement.

“Police have been told members of the public who were present were outraged and verbally showed their disgust to the protesters. The group ran towards Fitzroy Gardens and fled the scene.

“Victoria Police vehemently condemns antisemitic or racially motivated behaviour in our society and will not tolerate this kind of activity. Investigators are in the process of collecting evidence to identify those involved.”

This masthead has seen other social media posts indicating the masked men are linked to a group of neo-Nazis.

Concerns about rising antisemitism intensified dramatically earlier this month when the Addas Israel Synagogue in Ripponlea was firebombed.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton declared the attack “likely a terrorist incident” and said the force would boost patrols to reassure the Jewish community “that we are there to support and protect them”.