Senior Sergeant Troy Hargadon said protective service officers responded to an incident involving an alleged theft of a bicycle at 5.10pm.

Senior Sergeant Hargadon said while officers were taking the youth into custody a number of bystanders attempted to interject.

He said this resulted in another two youths being taken to the police station.

He said a number of bystanders also became involved and would be issued with infringement notices for anti-social offences.

During the arrests, a protective services officer was allegedly spat at in the face.

Senior Sergeant Hargadon said the matter was being investigated by police.

"This sort of behaviour is disappointing and certainly won't be tolerated nor should it be accepted by the wider community," he said.

"It's an unfortunate incident, however the work that's being done by protective services officers and members of police in and around the Bendigo Railway Station has been well received and will continue."

Teenager, Eloise, witnessed the incident and said police had been too heavy handed.

She said officers were calling young people "rats". 

"Obviously no one's going to believe us because we're just ratty kids," she said.

"All these kids are very angry with the police."